So you're talking about an unusually serious flaw and almost certainly for some bounded period of time--and assuming the purchasers even learns of the recall. Automobiles aside, I don't think in my 60+ years I have ever been aware of a recall on a product I purchased.

That may be the case, but a lot of people do pay attention to recalls. Whether a majority, plurality, or minority of the population I have no idea, but folks in my social circle do search for recalls when purchasing used.

It's surely not just a minority but a very small minority if you're not counting the recalls that either end up in the news or go through the trouble of informing customers.

With respect, are you based in the US?

The EU's Safety Gate programme documents safety recalls all the time, and it's common to get an email (for bigger purchases) or see recall notices at the entrance or checkouts at retailers. Retailers of safety-critical products (medical equipment, lifejackets, climbing gear, etc) will often insist on a phone number or email address in case of recall.

https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/

I'm curious now, can you expand on dark recall patterns?

Baby stuff companies make a lot of money selling new items and nothing from used items. Their things are always on the recall posters at stores. Are they all super dangerous? Or do they recall things that are a few years old so that the used items shouldn't be sold? I imagine the cost of a recall of something that has been discarded or put in the closet is pretty low.

Incidentally, perhaps you can eventually be paid back for your stroller or crib if you do keep the receipt and watch the lists.

Thrift stores will have to check recall lists of donated items and discard the ones that are recalled, or there might be some legal exposure.