It's more the fact that recalls are pretty much voluntary. Yes it would be preferable if the car was right first time, but if it does have an issue it's preferable that the manufacturer takes steps to inform those affected and fix it free of charge. A lack of recalls is not indicator that a car is not riddled with design faults, it just means that if there are known faults the manufacturer has chosen not to recall the car to fix them.
very true,
if you want to put things into perspective, go on VOSA recalls site
look at the "quality" of SEAT / Skoda,
then fiat
and to cheer yourself up ( whatever you drive)
then look at the Peugeot 307
charlie