TreadSize

Decoded sidewall size

255/55R16 tire size

255/55R16 in inches: 27.04" overall diameter — 10.04" wide, 5.52" sidewall.

Methodology: dimensions are calculated from standard ETRTO tire-size formulas. Last reviewed June 2026 by the TreadSize editorial team.

255/55R16 tire detail photo with TreadSize diameter, width, and rim measurement card
Overall diameter 27.04 in 686.9 mm
Section width 10.04 in 255 mm
Sidewall height 5.52 in 140.25 mm
Revs / mile 746 speedo calibration

Before you fit 255/55R16: 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 size

Full dimensions

Measurement Metric Imperial
Overall diameter 686.9 mm 27.04 in
Section width 255 mm 10.04 in
Sidewall height 140.25 mm 5.52 in
Rim diameter 406.4 mm 16 in
Circumference 2158.0 mm 84.96 in
Revolutions per mile 745.8
Aspect ratio 55%

NHTSA safety record for 255/55R16

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.

Complaints on record 4 filed with NHTSA
Recalls on record 0 none on record

What owners report fails — 255/55R16

  • Out of round 4

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.

How 255/55R16 compares inside the NHTSA size dataset

Complaint rank #199 of 271 among 271 safety-record sizes
Vs dataset median 6 below median 10 complaints
Top failure share 100% Out of round

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

315/80R22 4 complaints · 6 recalls 245/50R20 4 complaints · 4 recalls 265/65R18 4 complaints · 2 recalls 275/40R19 4 complaints · 2 recalls 275/35R19 4 complaints · 1 recalls 305/50R20 4 complaints · 1 recalls 305/85R22 4 complaints · 1 recalls 155/80R16 4 complaints · 0 recalls

Dataset download: JSON or CSV. Latest recall lookup: NHTSA.gov.

Related tire sizes

235/55R16 → 255/60R16 → 255/65R16 →
Decode another tire size →  ·  Compare two sizes →  ·  Plus sizing →

Frequently asked questions

What is the overall diameter of a 255/55R16 tire?

A 255/55R16 tire has an overall diameter of 27.04 inches (686.9 mm).

How tall is a 255/55R16 tire?

The sidewall height is 140.25 mm (5.52 inches), and the overall diameter from the ground to the top of the tire is 27.04 inches.

How many revolutions per mile does a 255/55R16 tire make?

A 255/55R16 tire makes approximately 746 revolutions per mile. Your speedometer is calibrated to this number.

What rim size does a 255/55R16 tire fit?

A 255/55R16 tire is designed for a 16-inch rim (406.4 mm).

Are there recalls or safety complaints for 255/55R16 tires?

NHTSA has 4 consumer complaints on record for the 255/55R16 size; the most reported issue is out of round (4 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.