Maserati Quattroporte cars are pictured during the media day at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany, September 15, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

BEIJING - Italian luxury car maker Maserati will recall 20,842 vehicles in China over a defect in design, China's top quality watchdog said on Monday.

The affected vehicles include imported Maserati Quattroporte and Ghibli models manufactured between March 22, 2013 and Dec 3, 2015, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

A defective design of the floor mat and accelerator pedal may result in the pedal getting stuck in the working position, increasing risk of collision, the watchdog said.

Maserati offered to replace the mat and pedal for free, starting from March 28.