My Tesla Model X Plaid Burned Through $800 Rear Tires in 10,000 Miles and Tesla Couldn’t Correct the Alignment, but I Found a Few Aftermarket Fixes and Need to Decide Which One to Go With

Most of know that EVs burn through tires slightly faster than gas powered cars because of their superior torque and weight, but Tesla Model S and X models seem to have an added problem of ruining the inner edges of rear tires because of a camber problem. This is especially true for the earlier Tesla Model S and X performance models that ride on 12-inch tires. For some reason, Tesla doesn’t seem to have an adjustment. Fortunately, there are some aftermarket ways to fix the problem, but owners need to decide which method to use. We get into those below. 

Premature wear of Tesla Model S and X rear tires have been a popular topic on automotive social media for years now. Here’s a recent post by Jon Santino Cavoteon the Facebook Tesla Tips & Tricks group:

“My 2023 Model X Plaid rear wheels are cambered in, burning the inside edge of tires. I get no more than 10,000 miles out of those tires. Tesla said they couldn't fix it, and that all the sport models come cambered out of the factory. Any thoughts on a fix? 10,000 miles out of a tire is not sustainable.”

Cory Porter responded with:

“You can upgrade your rear suspension so it’s adjustable, not cheap though.”

Askia Amen recommended a camber shim kit for Tesla Model S/X:

“You can shim the rear upper control arms, to fix the negative camber. This kit should fix your rear camber issues. 

EVPE Camber Shim Kit (2021+ Model S /X LR & Plaid) Inner Tire wear solution – Secret-EV Performance.”

Tesla Rear Inner Tire Wear

Inner rear tire wear on Teslas is common due to the factory-set, non-adjustable, and aggressive negative camber designed for performance handling. This means the top of the tire angles inward, putting more pressure on the inner edge of the tire, especially under the car's weight. To address this problem, owners have the option to install aftermarket adjustable control arms or camber shims to correct the alignment, but this is an added cost and may affect warranty. A less costly, but not as reliable solution is to ensure frequent tire rotations and regular alignment checks.

Premature Inside Tire Wear on Model S and Model X

Many Model S and Model X owners experience premature inside tire wear on the rear tires. The outside of the tire often looks almost new, while the inside shoulder can be worn down to the cords. Owners sometimes never notice the wear because the damage is hidden until wires show. The issue is especially risky because Model X tires cannot be rotated, which means tire shops will not catch the problem. Regular inspection every five thousand miles and annual alignments are recommended for anyone who wants to protect their expensive tires.

Why the Factory Suspension Creates the Problem

The root cause is the fixed length factory upper camber arm. This arm sets the tilt of the rear tire, and because it cannot be adjusted, the tire often maintains too much negative camber when the vehicle is set to low ride height. Many drivers prefer keeping their suspension in the default low setting so the height does not change. However, this position increases camber and accelerates inside tire wear. With the stock arm, there is no way to correct the angle.

Installing Adjustable Camber Arms

One solution is to replace the factory camber arms with adjustable arms. Their design uses threaded adjustment, which allows the arm to be lengthened or shortened until the tire stands at the correct angle. The arm that we recommend places the adjuster on the wheel side where it is easy to access with the supplied crows foot tool. This design allows alignments to be done with the wheel installed, which is important for vehicles with air suspension. Cheaper aftermarket arms often place the adjuster in difficult locations, which complicates the alignment process.

The adjustable arms that seem to get good reviews are the adjustable camber arms for Tesla Model S/X from N2itive Products.

Benefits of Replacing Both Arms

Replacing both the camber arm and toe arm ensures that the suspension can be aligned to proper specifications. The combination prevents ongoing uneven wear, improves stability, and protects against premature failure of costly rear tires. For older vehicles, the upgraded components also provide increased strength and durability compared to the original parts.

Camber Shim Kit

A cheaper option to adjust camber is to install shims. The difference is that adjustable camber arms offer precise, repeatable, and user-adjustable camber control, while camber shims provide a cheaper, one-time fix that is non-adjustable after installation. Camber arms allow for fine-tuning of suspension geometry, which is ideal for performance driving, whereas shims are a fixed solution often used just to correct excessive inner tire wear by adding a small, set amount of positive camber. One option for camber shims is from Secret-EV. They have a camber shim kit for 2021+ Model S /X LR and Plaid. 

Bottom Line

Inside rear tire wear is a common and expensive issue for Model X and Model S owners. Regular inspections and yearly alignments help, although the real fix comes from installing adjustable camber and toe arms. These components give technicians the ability to correct the suspension geometry so the tires wear evenly. Upgrading both arms not only solves the camber problem, it also ensures long term reliability and reduces the likelihood of paying for new tires far sooner than expected.

The Tesla Model X Plaid

The Tesla Model X Plaid is one of the most powerful and quickest electric SUVs ever built. It was launched in 2021 as the high-performance upgrade to the already capable Model X, bringing huge improvements in acceleration, range, and interior technology. The Plaid stands out because it delivers supercar levels of speed while still offering three row seating, impressive towing capability, and long-distance road trip comfort. The combination of instant torque, futuristic cabin features, and surprising practicality makes it one of the most unique vehicles in the world.

What Do You Think?

Have you noticed uneven or premature rear tire wear on your Tesla Model X Plaid or any other Tesla model?

Have you upgraded to adjustable camber arms or a camber shim kit, and if so, did it fix the issue for you?

Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, "The Arrival of The Electric Car." His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.

Photo credit: Chasing Legends (with permission)