Important distinction here is that not every software update for a vehicle is intended to fix bugs, much less those than contribute to driving error.

Not every Tesla update is a recall, for example.

It's a good separation when an update addresses a bug - which can lead to drivability/safety issues - is classified differently than one that doesn't. And a recall makes sense, though the issue seems to be that some people associate that with deadly mechanical issues alone.

Of course, mechanical recalls happen all of the time, too, but are very often minor and/or ignorable.