BEIJING - Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co will recall nearly 460,000 multi-purpose passenger cars and sedans due to horn defects, China's top quality watchdog said Wednesday.

The joint-venture company will start the recall on April 30, according to a statement posted on the website of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

The recall involves 459,962 vehicles, including CR-V multi-purpose passenger cars (produced between July 10, 2009, and August 16, 2011), and CIVIC sedans (produced between July 10, 2009, and August 31, 2011).

The statement said that the defects may cause horns not to sound properly when used, which could affect driving safety.

The company will offer free checks and repairs to the models concerned. The recall starts in late April because the company needs time to prepare components, the statement said.