Decoded sidewall size
255/50R20 tire size
255/50R20 in inches: 30.04" overall diameter — 10.04" wide, 5.02" sidewall.
Methodology: dimensions are calculated from standard ETRTO tire-size formulas. Last reviewed June 2026 by the TreadSize editorial team.
Before you fit 255/50R20: 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 | 763 mm | 30.04 in |
| Section width | 255 mm | 10.04 in |
| Sidewall height | 127.5 mm | 5.02 in |
| Rim diameter | 508 mm | 20 in |
| Circumference | 2397.0 mm | 94.37 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 671.4 | |
| Aspect ratio | 50% | |
NHTSA safety record for 255/50R20
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.
4 tire recalls on record affecting 255/50R20
- NHTSA 26T002000 · 2026 COOPER DISCOVERER SRX Without registration information, owners may not receive a recall notice, prolonging use of a recalled tire and increasing the risk of a crash.
- NHTSA 20T018000 · 2020 GENERAL TIRE RELIATREK HT Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss
- NHTSA 19T008000 · 2019 FALKEN ZIEX CT50 A/S A detached tread can decrease vehicle stability thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- NHTSA 19V770000 · 2019 MAZDA CX-9 A detached tire tread can decrease vehicle stability and increase the risk of a crash.
What owners report fails — 255/50R20
- Tread separation 12
- Cracking 3
- 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 255/50R20
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 255/50R20 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 255/50R20 tire?
A 255/50R20 tire has an overall diameter of 30.04 inches (763 mm).
How tall is a 255/50R20 tire?
The sidewall height is 127.5 mm (5.02 inches), and the overall diameter from the ground to the top of the tire is 30.04 inches.
How many revolutions per mile does a 255/50R20 tire make?
A 255/50R20 tire makes approximately 671 revolutions per mile. Your speedometer is calibrated to this number.
What rim size does a 255/50R20 tire fit?
A 255/50R20 tire is designed for a 20-inch rim (508 mm).
Are there recalls or safety complaints for 255/50R20 tires?
NHTSA has 30 consumer complaints on record for the 255/50R20 size and 4 recalls; the most reported issue is tread separation (12 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.