A recall implies the product is irreparably damaged, or too expensive to repair, and needs to be returned/replaced.

No, it does not. I can’t think of an automotive recall that wasn’t repaired and resulted in a buyback. I’m sure there was one or two, I just can’t think of them. Edit: Here’s the list. And most of those have to do with bad welds or badly adhering paint (which affects windshields in collisions).

Lots of cars from all manufacturers end up with recalls that get fixed as a matter of course.