Question about recalls

I brought my 2011 Ford Fiesta to the dealer yesterday afternoon because i was getting an Engine Malfunction alert on it. The service tech told me that there was a recall on it for the door latches so they were going to replace them. I said i didn't want that taking up time that could be spent diagnosing my problem. She said it wouldn't be an issue.

Well, i just called them at 1:45 this afternoon and they hadn't even started diagnosing the actual problem because they're working on the door latches. That is exactly what i DIDN'T want to happen. The man i spoke to over the phone said that because it's a safety issue, they have to do it.

My question is, are they legally required to perform the recall repairs or can i say no to them? I'm quite annoyed that i brought my car in for one thing and they decided to waste my time doing something else with it.

You're not paying for the recall work and yes they are required to do it since it is a liability issue.

yeah, i didn't have to pay for it in money. But i did in time. They basically held my car hostage for a day. I guess i'm not going to the dealer anymore.