2016 Tesla Model S Wheel Alignment Specifications

As an ASE-certified alignment technician, I’ve seen countless EVs roll onto the alignment rack, but the 2016 Tesla Model S requires a specific approach. Heavy battery packs, high torque output, and Smart Air Suspension mean that keeping your Model S properly aligned is critical for maximizing tire life, battery range, and handling performance.

Below is your comprehensive guide to the wheel alignment specifications, adjustability, and common wear issues for the 2016 Tesla Model S.

Quick reference

The following table provides the factory alignment specification ranges for the 2016 Tesla Model S. Note that if your vehicle is equipped with Smart Air Suspension, the alignment must be performed at the "Standard" ride height setting, often requiring the vehicle to be placed into Service Mode.

(Note: Exact specification ranges can vary slightly depending on whether the vehicle is RWD or AWD/Dual Motor, and the specific factory wheel size. Always reference the alignment machine's exact database for your VIN.)

Adjustability

When it comes to adjusting the alignment on a 2016 Tesla Model S, technicians are somewhat limited by the factory suspension design.

Front Axle: Front individual toe is fully adjustable via the inner and outer tie rod ends. However, front camber and caster are not easily adjustable from the factory. There are no factory eccentric cam bolts for the front upper or lower control arms. If front camber or caster is out of specification, it typically indicates a bent suspension component, a shifted subframe, or sagging suspension. Minor side-to-side corrections can sometimes be made by shifting the front subframe, but this is labor-intensive.

Rear Axle: Rear toe is fully adjustable using the factory rear toe links and eccentric bolts located at the inboard mounting points. Rear camber, famously on the Model S, is non-adjustable from the factory. The heavy weight of the vehicle and the geometry of the suspension often cause the rear camber to sag into the negative as the vehicle ages or when driven extensively in "Low" suspension mode, leading to severe inner tire wear.

Recommended adjustment hardware

Because the factory suspension does not allow for front caster/camber or rear camber adjustments, aftermarket hardware is highly recommended for Model S owners experiencing chronic tire wear issues or lowered ride heights.

• Adjustable Rear Camber Arms: To fix the notorious rear inner tire wear on the Model S, aftermarket adjustable rear camber arms (such as those from Unplugged Performance, SPC, or N2itive) are heavily recommended. These replace the fixed factory upper links and feature a threaded central body or adjustable rod ends to push the top of the knuckle outward, correcting negative camber.
• Adjustable Front Upper Control Arms (FUCAs): If front camber or caster is out of spec, billet aluminum adjustable front upper control arms can be installed. These allow precise dialing of front alignment angles.
• Adjustable Rear Toe Links: While the factory provides some toe adjustment, high-performance aftermarket toe links can lock in the rear toe more securely, preventing the dynamic toe-out under heavy acceleration that wears down tires.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Because the 2016 Tesla Model S generates instantaneous torque and weighs over 4,600 pounds, a bad alignment will destroy a set of tires astonishingly fast. Look out for these symptoms:

• Severe Rear Inner Edge Wear: This is the most common alignment complaint on the Model S. If the rear camber is too negative (often combined with excessive toe-out), the inside inch of the rear tires will wear down to the metal cords while the rest of the tire looks perfectly fine.
• Feathering or Cupping: Incorrect front or rear toe settings will cause feathering across the tread blocks, making the tires exceptionally noisy at highway speeds.
• Pulling or Drifting: If the front caster is uneven side-to-side, or if the rear thrust angle is off, the vehicle will pull to one side on a flat, straight road.
• Crooked Steering Wheel: If the steering wheel isn't perfectly centered when driving straight, the front or rear individual toe is out of balance.

When to align

You should have your 2016 Model S aligned under the following circumstances:

• After new tires are installed: With EV tires costing upwards of $300-$400 each, an alignment protects your investment.
• After suspension or steering work: Replacing tie rods, air struts, control arms, or the steering rack absolutely requires a fresh alignment.
• After hitting a pothole or curb: The heavy weight of the Model S means impacts transfer a massive amount of force to the suspension, easily bending factory components or knocking them out of alignment.
• Annually or every 12,000 miles: Preventative alignments are the best way to catch the dreaded Model S inner tire wear before it destroys your tires.

Typical alignment cost

Because aligning a Tesla requires placing the vehicle into Service Mode, navigating the touchscreen, and sometimes dealing with specialized underbody aero shields, not all independent shops will take them. You can expect to pay between $120 and $250 for a standard four-wheel alignment at a qualified EV-friendly independent shop or Tesla Service Center. If you have installed aftermarket adjustable control arms that require fine-tuning, expect to pay closer to the $200–$300 range for the extra labor involved in dialing in custom specifications.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.