Where is the quality?

It is the manufacture cutting corners to get the product out the door and on to the sales lot as soon as possible and at a low cost. They don't really care about their customer's safety until someone threatens lawsuit. The manufacture figures as long as no complains it must be okay. The manufactures actually have people on staff who crunch the numbers between how much it would cost to do recalls vs. how much it would cost to pay out lawsuit settlements.

It's what will cost them less is what they will do. What consumers need to do is stop settling out of court and signing agreements that they won't tell anyone about the defect. Make the cost of ledigation unappealing to the manufacture and have them make their product safe as advertised. JMO

I must be lucky as I have not had any recalls in 8 or 9 years. Possibly it is caused by shoddy workmanship, lack of sufficient quality control or the manufacturers are cutting corners to save money. Whatever the reason at least we get notified that something is wrong with the vehicle and I certainly prefer that to being in an accident caused by something malfunctioning.

Is it really a problem?
The modifications are free and they give you a courtesy car while the work is being done.
Usually it is because someone thought of a possible mechanical issue that might, just might have a bearing on safety, even if the chances of failure were tiny, because loss of confidence by the public would cost more than the recall. Often new technology brings a modification that was not available at the design stage.
We always remember the serious issues of the past that led to loss of life, and apply it to today. Recalls are more prevalent because the manufacturers have a zero risk policy. It would simply cost too much for a whole vehicle range to be lost and withdrawn, embroiled in a safety issue.
Quality workmanship is better than ever though, due to technology, robotics, modern materials and computers.
It's all good for the consumer, as we get better, safer stuff for less and less money.

Crazynurse that is a good question. I think it is a little of both. I do beleive it is the ole C.Y.A., you being a nurse know what I am taking about.
My husband had a recall on his pickup for the tailgate holder thing. They kept hounding us to get it fixed. My husband chose not to take a day off of work to get it fixed. He would have lost money if he would have gotten it fixed. It is the cord thing that holds the tailgate flat when it is opened. He can fix it if it breaks.

I think it has a lot to do with quality of workmanship due to the fact that vehicles being made are rarely touched by human hands anymore and I don't think the workmanship is as reliable. Just my opinion.