Decoded sidewall size
205/65R16 tire size
205/65R16 in inches: 26.49" 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 205/65R16: 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 | 672.9 mm | 26.49 in |
| Section width | 205 mm | 8.07 in |
| Sidewall height | 133.25 mm | 5.25 in |
| Rim diameter | 406.4 mm | 16 in |
| Circumference | 2114.0 mm | 83.23 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 761.3 | |
| Aspect ratio | 65% | |
NHTSA safety record for 205/65R16
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.
3 tire recalls on record affecting 205/65R16
- NHTSA 16T005000 · 2016 FIRESTONE CHAMPION FUEL FIGHTER A tread separation increases the risk of a crash.
- NHTSA 16T017000 · 2016 GT RADIAL CHAMPIRO TOURING A/S A loss of air pressure may result in sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
- NHTSA 10T011000 · 2010 BRIDGESTONE TURANZA ER30 MISSING LABELS COULD LEAD TO THE TIRE(S) BEING OVERINFLATED OR UNDERINFLATED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
What owners report fails — 205/65R16
- Blowout 7
- Cracking 4
- Road hazard 3
- Blister 1
- Out of round 1
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 205/65R16
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 205/65R16 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 205/65R16 tire?
A 205/65R16 tire has an overall diameter of 26.49 inches (672.9 mm).
How tall is a 205/65R16 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 26.49 inches.
How many revolutions per mile does a 205/65R16 tire make?
A 205/65R16 tire makes approximately 761 revolutions per mile. Your speedometer is calibrated to this number.
What rim size does a 205/65R16 tire fit?
A 205/65R16 tire is designed for a 16-inch rim (406.4 mm).
Are there recalls or safety complaints for 205/65R16 tires?
NHTSA has 22 consumer complaints on record for the 205/65R16 size and 3 recalls; the most reported issue is blowout (7 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.