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2016 Ford Fusion SE - Car Pulling to the Right & Uneven Tire Wear

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Sarah K. · rep 0 · May 25, 1:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2016 Ford Fusion SE

Hello everyone,

I've got a problem with my 2016 Ford Fusion SE (around 90,000 miles) that's been bothering me for a while now. The car consistently pulls to the right, even on flat roads. I have to constantly correct the steering wheel to keep it going straight, which is really tiring on longer drives.

To make matters worse, I've noticed that my front right tire is showing significantly more wear on the outer edge compared to the other tires. This started a few months ago, and I've already rotated the tires once, but the problem persists.

I'm pretty sure it's an alignment issue, but I'm wondering if there could be something else going on. Has anyone with a 2015-2026 Fusion or similar Ford experienced this? Any advice before I take it in for an alignment?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 1:33 AM

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Hi Sarah,

Your 2016 Ford Fusion SE's symptoms of pulling to one side and uneven tire wear are classic indicators of an alignment problem, but it's important to understand why the alignment might be off. Simply getting an alignment without addressing the underlying cause might lead to the problem recurring.

Here are the potential causes for your issue:

  1. Wheel Alignment: The most common cause. The angles of your wheels (toe, camber, caster) are out of specification, causing the car to pull and tires to wear unevenly. This can happen over time or after hitting a significant pothole or curb.
  2. Worn Suspension Components: Before an alignment can be properly performed, all suspension components must be in good condition. Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, tie rod ends, or strut mounts can cause play in the suspension, leading to alignment issues and pulling. If these are worn, they need to be replaced before an alignment.
  3. Tire Issues: While you've rotated tires, sometimes a defective tire (e.g., a separated belt) can cause a pull. You could try swapping the front right tire with the rear left to see if the pull changes direction or intensity.
  4. Brake Drag: A sticking brake caliper on one side can cause the car to pull towards that side. This often comes with increased brake dust on that wheel or the wheel feeling hotter than others after a drive.
  5. Steering System Issues: Less common, but issues within the power steering system or a loose steering rack could potentially contribute.

When to See a Shop: It's definitely time to take your Fusion to a reputable shop that specializes in alignments and suspension work. They should perform a thorough pre-alignment inspection to check for worn suspension components before putting it on the alignment rack. If any components are found to be worn, they should be replaced first. An alignment check typically doesn't trigger OBD codes, but a professional diagnostic can ensure all systems are functioning correctly.

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