VOLKSWAGEN is to begin a massive car recall in China to address long-standing gearbox safety issue, the country's top quality watchdog said today.

The recall, due to start on April 2rd, affects 384,181 imported or locally produced cars fitted with Volkswagen's DSG gearbox.

Problems, including unintended speed loss and acceleration, were highlighted by a national TV program last Friday.

Details came two days after the German carmaker submitted a recall application to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China.

The administration said an electronic glitch or insufficient oil pressure in the affected gearbox may interrupt power.

Volkswagen China and its Chinese joint ventures will provide free replacement of electronic components and upgrade the software.

The national quality watchdog has been following the case since 2012.

It said it confirmed the gearbox is defective after collecting more than 10,000 pieces of information about malfunction, interviewing 3000 plus car owners, carrying out 12 on-site investigations and organizing seven expert debates.