I'm sorry if I appear to be overreacting to you. The red flag in the first article I posted was not so much the recall itself. It's the failure to address the issue and being fined for it.
"A week ago, Hyundai and Kia agreed to
pay up to $210 million in fines for failing to recall 1.6 million vehicles that also had engine problems. The settlement involves recalls from 2015 to 2017 for issues that can cause bearing wear and eventual engine failure."
I tend to look at these things, because I am more inclined to buy a slightly used vehicle over a new one. An advantage of that is their proven track record is more available. For example, Honda 2.4L engines used in the CR-V starting in 2002 (also Element engine) were bulletproof engines. The new 1.5L turbo GDI engine doesn't have that stellar reputation.
Even the 1.5L turbo engine in the Eclipse Cross is a bit unproven. Personally, I don't see the advantage of it in both mpg or horsepower. I'd rather have the 2.0L or 2.4L Mitsubishi engine.
My concern about a company is not so much the recall itself. The red flag for me is how they approach the recall. If KIA or Hyundai are replacing faulty engines with faulty engines, that's not cool. I can't say I've overly research all this, but I would if I were buying one. That was my point more than anything.
My Forester had its short block replaced @ 90,000 miles (& 7-years old) due excessive oil consumption. I appreciate that, but it took a class action lawsuit that Subaru lost to make that happen. Thankfully, the lawsuit covered Foresters that were under 100,000 miles and 8 years old. Another good friend of mine, who doesn't apparently check his oil between oil changes, discovered his Forester had burned 4 quarts of oil when he went in to have it changed (5.5 quart capacity engine). No warning light went off, and Subaru was trying to cover up for that, too. It was their engine replacement on their 2012 Forester that sparked me to have my 2011 replaced. My Forester failed their oil consumption test, & I knew it would.
Am I happy Subaru addressed this? Yes! Do I plan on ever buying another Subaru? No! Having said that, Subaru may be better than 10 other companies. If this replacement engine doesn't give me any issues in the next 10 years or so, I may change my mind, too.
Personally, I think the 2014 Rio with the 1.6L powertrain may be a good little car. A low mileage Matrix is hard to find. I only brought them up, because I feel they may have been the best made hatchback (billed as a small sports wagon) in the past 20 years. Since the rear seats fold flat, it's a real versatile car. I have never driven one, but they say they have a sporty feel to them. I like that, too.
I know one couple that has a 2007 Vibe. They pull a small teardrop sleeper camper with it. They recently replaced their second car (a newer 2011 Equinox), because he couldn't pick up the car with a jack. A various spots the jack would just push through the rust. They thought the Vibe would be the first to go, because the Equinox was their newer vehicle. They still have the Vibe. He's may be the only friend that that I have that may buy a Mirage some day. He's a former Metro owner, and he's shown some interest in my Mirage. Most people I hang with aren't interested in small cars, except my friends here on the forum!