BEIJING (Kyodo) Panasonic Corp. has recalled 365,574 refrigerators in China that have faulty temperature control components.

The electronics giant's China subsidiary said on its Chinese Web site that the recall, issued Wednesday, covers 29 models in the B20 to B26 and C23 to C29 series that were made between March 2007 and March 2009.

In high temperatures and humid conditions, it said, the defect may cause the cooling compartment to either become too cold or to cool inadequately.

In one unspecified model, prolonged use could lead to a leakage of refrigerant, and even cause smoke and fire "in extreme cases."