For some time, one has been able to check a vehicle's MOT history using https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/?_ga=2.212269975.2076702206.1501355101-258047052.1501355101 Once one gets to the results page, this now has a link to The Motor Ombudsman which supposedly enables one to check whether the vehicle has any outstanding recalls - one does need to input the VIN to do this check.