SevereAffected: 2011-201870,000–130,000 miles

Ford Focus Mk3 2.0 TDCi — Starter Motor Solenoid / Brush Wear

The starter motor wears out internally. This is particularly common on vehicles equipped with Stop/Start systems.

Severity

Severe

DIY Difficulty

Moderate

Est. Cost

£150–£350

OBD Codes

None

Symptoms

A single loud 'click' when turning the key, but engine doesn't crank
Engine cranks very slowly despite a fully charged battery
Whirring or grinding noise after the engine starts

Root Cause

The carbon brushes inside the motor wear down to the copper wiring, or the contacts inside the solenoid burn out from repeated arcing.

How To Fix

Confirm battery voltage is strong under load (to rule out a dead battery).
Replace the starter motor unit.
Ensure main earth straps from engine block to chassis are clean and tight.
Cost: £150-350

Estimated Repair Costs

Repair Option	Est. Cost (GBP)
DIY (parts only)	£60–£140
Independent Garage	£150–£350
Main Dealership	£240–£560

Other Faults on This Variant

Powershift Dual Clutch Gearbox Failure

Critical

2011-201550,000–100,000 miles£1800–£2500

The 6-speed Powershift (MPS6/6DCT450) automatic gearbox is notoriously fragile. Internal plastic parts shatter, clogging the transmission filter.

Steering Rack Motor Failure (EPS)

Critical

2011-201850,000–120,000 miles£800–£1200

The Electronic Power Steering rack on the Mk3 Focus suffers from water ingress, causing the motor to short out.

DPF Vaporiser Failure

Moderate

2011-201860,000–110,000 miles£250–£350

Ford uses a 5th injector (vaporiser) in the exhaust to regenerate the DPF. This vaporiser clogs with soot, preventing regeneration.

Disclaimer: Repair cost estimates are indicative and based on community data. Always get a quote from a qualified mechanic before proceeding with any repair.