* Uneven tire wear: This leads to premature tire replacement and is a safety concern.
* Vehicle pulling or wandering: Although less pronounced than with misaligned front wheels, it can still affect handling and stability.
* Reduced fuel economy: Poor alignment can increase rolling resistance.
* Increased stress on suspension components: Leading to premature wear and potential damage.
So, the answer is yes, a front-wheel-drive car needs rear wheel alignment, just like a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive car. It's just less critical to steering than front alignment. A comprehensive alignment usually checks and adjusts both front and rear wheels.