Originally Posted by Spld cyclist

If it has an indexed shifter, I would think it's more likely a shifter or cable-related issue than the derailleur. Even cheap FD's don't wear out very quickly.

Then again, if it has a friction shifter, it could also be a shifter-related issue. The spring tension in the derailleur will pull it toward the inner ring if there isn't enough friction to prevent it from doing so.