Mazda Motor Corp said on Thursday it would recall 89,822 Mazda3/Axela compact cars in Japan and China to fix a problem with the oil hose, and a further 191,503 sold elsewhere could be subject to repairs.

In a filing with Japan's transport ministry, Mazda said driving on rough roads for an extended time could cause the oil hose to rub against the radiator's protective panel, causing oil to leak with wear. In the worst case, the car would be unable to start, it said.

No accident or complaint had been reported in Japan from the defect, Mazda said.

The Mazda3 model sold in the United States carries a different engine and is not subject to any repairs, a spokesman said. Mazda will decide how to repair the model in Europe and other markets according to safety regulations in each country, he said.

(Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim)

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