BEIJING - Ford Motor (China) will recall 23,978 imported vehicles sold in the Chinese market due to defective door locks, according to China's market regulator.

The recall, starting on July 1, involves 23,978 imported Lincoln Continental models manufactured between June 24, 2016 and Oct 18, 2018, the State Administration for Market Regulation said in a statement on its website.

The defective door locks may cause the door to open automatically while driving, posing safety risks, said the statement.

The company said it would replace the defective door locks free of charge.