Point of clarification: actual "recalls" are either automaker voluntary or federally mandated due to demonstrable safety-related defects. Case in point: Hyundai's recall notifications for certain model year Sonatas to have an additional fuel cutoff valve installed to prevent a fire hazard in the event of a vehicle rollover. The agency that investigates and orders an automaker to send out recall notices is the NHTSA. All automakers have been known to mail owners notifications to advise and/or provide no-cost repair of various reliability or drivability issues not directly associated with safety problems. Those notifications are not technically "recalls". Case in point: Nissan's current communications with owners of 4-cyl Sentras and Altimas over excess oil consumption.
[ June 15, 2006, 11:08 PM: Message edited by: Ray H ]