Decoded sidewall size
205/65R15 tire size
205/65R15 in inches: 25.49" overall diameter — 8.07" wide, 5.25" sidewall.
Methodology: dimensions are calculated from standard ETRTO tire-size formulas. Last reviewed June 2026 by the TreadSize editorial team.
Before you fit 205/65R15: verify the vehicle placard, load index, speed rating, wheel offset, and full-lock/full-compression clearance. Nominal dimensions do not guarantee a safe physical fit.
Compare this sizeFull dimensions
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 647.5 mm | 25.49 in |
| Section width | 205 mm | 8.07 in |
| Sidewall height | 133.25 mm | 5.25 in |
| Rim diameter | 381 mm | 15 in |
| Circumference | 2034.2 mm | 80.09 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 791.1 | |
| Aspect ratio | 65% | |
NHTSA safety record for 205/65R15
Drawn from official U.S. government (NHTSA) consumer complaint and recall filings for this exact tire size — not the generic averages you'll find elsewhere.
2 tire recalls on record affecting 205/65R15
- NHTSA 16T005000 · 2016 FIRESTONE CHAMPION FUEL FIGHTER A tread separation increases the risk of a crash.
- NHTSA 15T012000 · 2015 CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACT A tire tread separation may result in sudden air loss, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
What owners report fails — 205/65R15
- Blowout 47
- Tread separation 44
- Cracking 17
- Out of round 11
- Blister 3
These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated failure rates, and not adjusted for how many tires of this size are in service. Popular sizes naturally accumulate more reports. Use this as a research signal, not a verdict on any specific tire. Data as of 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain). Always check the latest recalls at NHTSA.gov and report a tire problem if you have one.
Recall timeline for 205/65R15
NHTSA campaigns affecting this tire size, grouped from the local recall dataset. Exact owner-notification dates are not stored here; open the campaign at NHTSA for current remedy details.
How 205/65R15 compares inside the NHTSA size dataset
This comparison is derived only from tire sizes that have a real NHTSA complaint or recall record in the TreadSize dataset. Source: NHTSA ODI — Consumer Complaints (FLAT_CMPL) + Recalls (FLAT_RCL), U.S. DOT public domain; Complaints through 2021.
Nearby safety records by complaint volume
Dataset download: JSON or CSV. Latest recall lookup: NHTSA.gov.
Related tire sizes
Frequently asked questions
What is the overall diameter of a 205/65R15 tire?
A 205/65R15 tire has an overall diameter of 25.49 inches (647.5 mm).
How tall is a 205/65R15 tire?
The sidewall height is 133.25 mm (5.25 inches), and the overall diameter from the ground to the top of the tire is 25.49 inches.
How many revolutions per mile does a 205/65R15 tire make?
A 205/65R15 tire makes approximately 791 revolutions per mile. Your speedometer is calibrated to this number.
What rim size does a 205/65R15 tire fit?
A 205/65R15 tire is designed for a 15-inch rim (381 mm).
Are there recalls or safety complaints for 205/65R15 tires?
NHTSA has 173 consumer complaints on record for the 205/65R15 size and 2 recalls; the most reported issue is blowout (47 reports). These are unverified consumer reports, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many tires of this size are in service.
All dimensions calculated using standard ETRTO formulas. Always confirm fitment with your vehicle's door-placard and a qualified tire professional before purchasing.