Decoded sidewall size
255/65R17 tire size
255/65R17 in inches: 30.05" overall diameter — 10.04" wide, 6.53" sidewall.
Methodology: dimensions are calculated from standard ETRTO tire-size formulas. Last reviewed June 2026 by the TreadSize editorial team.
Before you fit 255/65R17: 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 | 763.3 mm | 30.05 in |
| Section width | 255 mm | 10.04 in |
| Sidewall height | 165.75 mm | 6.53 in |
| Rim diameter | 431.8 mm | 17 in |
| Circumference | 2398.0 mm | 94.41 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 671.1 | |
| Aspect ratio | 65% | |
NHTSA safety record for 255/65R17
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.
What owners report fails — 255/65R17
- Blowout 4
- Cracking 4
- Tread separation 3
- Road hazard 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. Structured-size complaint coverage ends in 2021; the source files were retrieved on 2026-10-04. Recall records are from the post-2010 extract through that retrieval date and require a matching published size. This does not establish VIN or tire DOT-code applicability. 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 255/65R17 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; Official files retrieved 2026-10-04. Structured-size complaints through 2021; newer tire complaints cannot be reliably assigned to a size. Counts are unique ODI numbers per size. Decimal-rim sizes are excluded instead of rounded. Changes from older extracts reflect these corrections, not a change in tire failure risk.
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 255/65R17 tire?
A 255/65R17 tire has an overall diameter of 30.05 inches (763.3 mm).
How tall is a 255/65R17 tire?
The sidewall height is 165.75 mm (6.53 inches), and the overall diameter from the ground to the top of the tire is 30.05 inches.
How many revolutions per mile does a 255/65R17 tire make?
A 255/65R17 tire makes approximately 671 revolutions per mile. Your speedometer is calibrated to this number.
What rim size does a 255/65R17 tire fit?
A 255/65R17 tire is designed for a 17-inch rim (431.8 mm).
Are there recalls or safety complaints for 255/65R17 tires?
NHTSA has 15 consumer complaints on record for the 255/65R17 size; the most reported issue is blowout (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.