How the price estimate was built
What it shows: Our default range is $392 to $944; 2 of 3 published ranges overlap it.
What does this cost in your state?
California is the costliest state and Arkansas the cheapest; each square shows that state's midpoint of the estimate.
Lower-cost states ($580)MiddleHigher-cost states ($739)
What it shows: CA is the highest at $739 and AR the lowest at $580, across 51 states.
Counts below are complaints filed with NHTSA, not failure rates: a longer bar means more owners reported it.
Is your car affected?
What it shows: The most common band for complaints about this repair is under 50,000 (84%), against 60% for all complaints: the biggest difference between the two.
What it shows: The most common band for complaints about this repair is under 3 years old (57%), against 40% for all complaints: the biggest difference between the two.
Is it urgent, and what do owners notice first?
11,250 owner complaints name this part.
Owners say the dealer could not fix or repeat the problem. If it comes back after a repair, ask what was tested before you pay again.
How do tires fail, and which failure do owners report most?
Tread separation leads at 504.
Owners most often describe the failure as "tread separation". Use the same wording when you describe a problem to a tire shop.
Which tire on the car fails most often?
Driver-side front leads at 657.
Check that tire first, but look at all four: every position is in the reports.
Which tire sizes show up most in complaints?
ST225/75R15 leads at 26.
What it shows: ST225/75R15 is the largest at 26, followed by 265/75R16 at 22; the smallest shown is LT265/75R16 at 11.
Which tire brands and product lines do owners name?
Continental Conti Pro Contact leads at 33.
What it shows: Continental Conti Pro Contact is the largest at 33, followed by Power King Towmax at 31; the smallest shown is Goodyear Marathon St at 15.
How old were the tires when owners reported the problem?
2 to 3 years leads at 454.
A tire's age is printed on its sidewall as a four-digit date code (week and year): check yours.
Had the tire been repaired before it failed?
Not repaired leads at 2,539.
Whether the tire had been repaired before it failed, as owners answered on the NHTSA form. Not repaired: 2,539; Repaired: 3.
What do owners say it led to?
Among the 11,250 owner complaints naming this part, owners most often say lost steering or braking followed.
What owners say happened after the problem. Lost steering or braking: 29 (0%); Loss of power: 6 (0%).
If your car shows the signs above, get it checked before it gets as far as lost steering or braking.
Which other parts do owners name in the same complaint?
Among the 11,250 owner complaints naming this part, tire installation is named in 6% of them, more than any other part.
Owners name the tire installation most often in the same complaint, which is not proof that one caused the other. Ask the shop whether it checked the tire installation too, so you are not quoted twice for one visit.
What did owners say they paid?
Half of the 41 owners who wrote a dollar amount gave $321 or less; one in ten wrote more than $2,690.
These are bills owners wrote down, often covering more than this one repair. They show how far a job can run; get written quotes for your own car.
How fast were owners driving when it happened?
55 mph or faster leads at 58%.
Owners reported it most often at highway speed. Tell the shop what speed it happens at, because that narrows the diagnosis.
How serious did it get for owners?
Among the 11,250 owner complaints naming this part, crash is the outcome owners report most often.
What it shows: Crash reported is the largest at 360, followed by Towed at 348; the smallest shown is Death reported at 6.
Which model years show up most in the complaints?
Among the 8,708 owner complaints naming this part that state a model year, complaints cluster in a few model years instead of spreading evenly.
What it shows: 2017 is the largest at 1,407 (16%), followed by 2015 at 1,239 (14%); the smallest shown is 2025 at 270 (3%).
Have prices for this kind of repair been rising faster than other car costs?
In the BLS consumer price index for U.S. cities, prices for tires are up 26.9% since December 2019, against 74.2% for motor vehicle repair and 55.2% for maintenance and repair overall (latest reading 2026-08).
Consumer prices since December 2019: tires against motor vehicle repair. Tires: +26.9%; Motor vehicle repair: +74.2%; Motor vehicle maintenance and repair: +55.2%.
How long do tires last and how well do they grip, by the government grades?
Among 3,031 tire lines in NHTSA's tire grading database, the median treadwear grade is 420, and 88.9% earn wet traction grade A or better.
| Treadwear grade | Tire lines | Share of lines |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 199 | 159 | 5.2% |
| 200 to 299 | 413 | 13.6% |
| 300 to 399 | 727 | 24.0% |
| 400 to 499 | 773 | 25.5% |
| 500 to 599 | 540 | 17.8% |
| 600 to 699 | 294 | 9.7% |
| 700 or more | 125 | 4.1% |
What do state inspectors fail cars for?
Among 8,738,476 initial safety inspections in North Carolina in 2017, tires caused 8.5 failed items per 1,000 inspections, the most of the four components the state reports.
What it shows: Tires is the largest at 8.5, followed by Lights at 5.2; the smallest shown is Brake components at 1.9.
How much do households spend on tires a year?
In the BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, U.S. households spent an average of $217 on tires in 2024, from $80 in the lowest-income fifth to $372 in the highest.
What it shows: Highest fifth is the largest at $372, followed by Lowest fifth at $80; the smallest shown is Lowest fifth at $80.
How serious are the crashes where this part is cited?
In NHTSA's crash sample (CRSS, 2019–2022), 4.0% of police-reported crashes that cite tires ended in a serious or fatal injury, against 2.9% of all police-reported crashes. A crash that cites a system is not necessarily a crash that system caused.
What it shows: No Apparent Injury is the largest at 69.3%, followed by Possible Injury at 13.3%; the smallest shown is Fatal Injury at 1.1%.
Do tire problems track days per year that cross freezing, median station across states?
Across U.S. states, NHTSA owner complaints about tire run higher where days per year that cross freezing, median station is higher, after adjusting for the makes sold in each state. This is an association across states, not proof that days per year that cross freezing, median station causes this repair.
How to read it: Each dot is a state. Further right means more days per year that cross freezing (low at or below 32f, high above 32f), median station; higher up means more complaints for this repair than expected (1.0 is average). If the dots climb to the right, reports of this repair rise with days per year that cross freezing (low at or below 32f, high above 32f), median station.
What it shows: States with more days per year that cross freezing (low at or below 32f, high above 32f), median station tend to sit higher on the chart across 50 states: a pattern in the data, not proof of cause.
- The 10 states with the most days per year that cross freezing, median station (Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Idaho, New Mexico, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Maine): reports of this repair run 9% above what the makes sold there would predict, and 8 of 10 are above expected. The 10 with the least (Hawaii, Florida, California, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina): 4% above, and 4 of 10 are above expected.
- Exceptions: Utah and Nebraska are among the highest in days per year that cross freezing, median station but report below expected.
- Split the states into thirds: the third with the least days per year that cross freezing, median station runs 2% above what the makes sold there would predict, the middle third 2% below, and the third with the most 6% above. Most of the days per year that cross freezing, median station effect sits in the third with the most.
- For days per year that cross freezing, median station, after allowing for the 1562 comparisons we ran, luck alone would produce a pattern this strong about 1 time in 12. Take out any single state and the days per year that cross freezing, median station pattern still holds.
Water seeps into pavement, freezes and thaws to break it into potholes, and every pothole hit bends rims and wears tires, suspension joints and steering parts.
Are the parts for this repair getting more expensive, or only the labor?
The federal producer price index for new passenger car tires rose 34.1% from December 2019 to August 2026, while the consumer price index for motor vehicle repair, labor and parts together, rose 55.2% (BLS, national).
Prices of new passenger car tires, as shops buy them from makers, since December 2019, against consumer prices for motor vehicle repair. New passenger car tires: +34.1%; All motor vehicle parts: +17.4%; Motor vehicle repair, labor and parts together: +55.2%.
Has the replacement part I am buying been recalled?
NHTSA lists 10 equipment recalls that name tire since 2015 (tires and wheels), covering 75,295 items sold as parts rather than whole vehicles; the largest, by Alcoa Inc. in 2015, covered 45,794.
| Year | Maker and product | NHTSA component | Defect | Items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Alcoa Inc.: Aluminum Wheel | wheels | certain 22.5" X 8.25" aluminum wheels, model number 88367X, manufactured from April 27, 2015, through May 19. | 45,794 |
| 2023 | Dexter Axle Company: St 200 | sidewall | certain Goodride ST 200 tire and wheel assemblies with size: ST235/80R16 LRE tires. | 19,808 |
| 2023 | Saf-Holland: Ulx40, Cbx Trailer Suspension | pressure monitoring and regulating. | certain CBXA40 and ULX40 Suspension Systems equipped with the Tire Pilot Plus (TPP) management systems. | 4,906 |
| 2023 | Harley-Davidson Motor Company: Tall Rear Shock, Low. | rear shock absorber | certain Profile Low Rear Suspension and Tall Rear Shocks that were sold as H-D Parts & Accessories with part. | 1,282 |
| 2022 | Chrysler (Fca Us, Llc): Tpms Sensor | pressure monitoring and regulating. | certain Mopar Tire Air Pressure Sensors, part number 68487472AA. | 1,176 |
| 2025 | Harley-Davidson Motor Company: Low Rear Suspension. | rear | certain Tail Rear Shock Absorbers (part number 54000294) and Low Rear Suspension Shock Absorbers (part number. | 776 |
| 2015 | Henderson Wheel & Trailer Supply Inc.: Torsion Arm. | rear axle | certain torsion arm assemblies, part numbers B-7100A, B-7110A, HT-35XL, T35545EB, T35545I, T35550EB. | 600 |
| 2019 | Drake Automotive Group Llc: Mustang | linkages knuckle | certain Scott Drake left and right wheel spindles, part numbers C5ZZ-3106-L, C5ZZ-3105-R, C70Z-3106-L. | 598 |
| 2017 | Morryde International, Inc.: Jerry Can Holder-Tire Mt | temporary/emergency spare tire | certain accessory Jerry Can Holders, part numbers JP54-004 and JP54-005. | 308 |
| 2020 | Tap Worldwide, Llc: Rubicon Express Lift Kit | tires | certain Rubicon Express 4.5" and 5.5" Super-Flex suspension lift kits, part numbers JT7147, Universal lift. | 47 |
Has this part been recalled abroad on cars that may share it?
Manufacturers filed 71 foreign recall campaigns that name tire with NHTSA since 2015 (matched by the filing text); the latest, from Mercedes-Benz USA in 2026-07.
| Filed | Manufacturer | Foreign recall no. | What the filing says |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10 | General Motors | 178 | Certain vehicles have the tire pressure monitor sensor calibrated to FMVSS specifications instead of ECE specifications. |
| 2025-09 | Isuzu Motors Limited | 151 | September 19, 2025 DET-25-115 Associate Administrator for Enforcement National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Attention: Early Warning Division (NVS-217) 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Foreign Recall Information Report �Tire. |
| 2025-09 | General Motors | 132 | Certain vehicles have an error in the software of the body control module which affects temperature compensation calculations that are used to define the tire pressure threshold to illuminate the tire pressure warning telltale. |
| 2025-08 | Jaguar Land Rover | 126 | The overheat condition is caused by the use of different radius wheels and tires between the front and rear axles. |
| 2025-08 | Chrysler (FCA US) | 113 | Date of Report: 08/01/2025 Determined by: Manufacturer's Name - Brand Name FCA Brazil - Jeep Report Type Quality Field Action Identification of Affected Vehicles: Model Year(s) Inclusive Dates of Affected Start End Manufacture Model Population Make(s) Model(s). |
| 2026-07 | Mercedes-Benz | 106 | Description of Concern (required) Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain Model Year 2022 � 2023 EQS (297 platform) vehicles, the parameter for the dynamic tire diameter in the powertrain control unit might not meet current specifications. |
| 2026-04 | Daimler Vans | 049 | Description of Issue Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that for certain Metris (447 platform) vehicles, non- approved winter tires might have been offered by Canadian Mercedes-Benz service partners. |
| 2026-03 | Michelin. | 036 | Our quality monitoring systems detected that some tires manufactured during the period mentioned above could present a risk of slow pressure loss over time. |
How many recalled cars are actually fixed, so should I check mine?
Across 34 NHTSA recalls that name tire filed 2015 to 2024, 81.4% of the 867,544 recalled vehicles had been repaired after 8 quarters, against 66.2% for all recalls, which leaves about 161,555 vehicles still carrying the defect.
| Year | Vehicles | Recalled vehicles | Repaired | Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Golf Sportwagen; | 296,044 | 81.0% | pressure monitoring and. |
| 2023 | Honda Civic | 264,567 | 86.5% | rack and pinion |
| 2022 | Chrysler 300; Dodge Charger, Challenger | 52,340 | 81.4% | pressure monitoring and. |
| 2022 | Chrysler 300; Dodge Charger, Challenger | 44,212 | 82.1% | pressure monitoring and. |
| 2021 | Nissan Titan, Altima | 36,141 | 96.2% | sidewall |
| 2021 | Chevrolet Express, Silverado 1500; | 33,838 | 74.9% | tires |
| 2022 | Audi S5, A4 Allroad | 31,058 | 97.3% | tires |
| 2022 | Mercedes-Benz Metris | 24,359 | 27.1% | tires |
Was my tire a known defect, and which tire lines has NHTSA recalled?
NHTSA lists 139 tire recall campaigns filed since 2015 (every tire recall), covering 4,604,281 tires; the largest, Amp Mud Terrain Attack M/T in 2024, covered 673,000.
What it shows: Amp Mud Terrain Attack M/T is the largest at 673,000, followed by Michelin Agilis Crossclimate C-Metric at 542,110; the smallest shown is Bf Goodrich Commercial T/A A/S 2 at 104,000.
Does vehicle age change how underinflated tires are?
NHTSA's 2001 measurement of 11,530 vehicles found 8% of tires on cars 3 years old or newer underinflated by 8 psi or more against 15% on cars over 6 years old, and 12% against 24% on pickups, SUVs and vans.
Share of tires deviating 8 psi or more from the maker's pressure, by vehicle age, measured in 2001. 3 years or newer, pickups and SUVs: 12%; 3 to 6 years, pickups and SUVs: 15%; Over 6 years, pickups and SUVs: 24%.
How many potholes do big-city drivers report each year?
New Yorkers filed 30,624 to 49,909 pothole requests a year to 311 from 2020 to 2024, and Chicagoans filed 43,237 to 132,939 a year from 2012 to 2018; these are requests in two cities, not a national count.
What it shows: Chicago 2014 is the largest at 132,939, followed by NYC 2020 at 30,624; the smallest shown is NYC 2020 at 30,624.
Where are the roughest state highways in Colorado?
Colorado DOT's 2018 pavement survey puts 20.0% of its 11,345 state highway miles in the LOW drivability-life class, with the share highest in Lincoln County (46.4%), Morgan (42.3%) and Jackson (40.1%); this is one state, not a national figure.
What it shows: Lincoln is the largest at 46.4%, followed by Morgan at 42.3%; the smallest shown is Moffat at 30.5%.
Which metro areas drive the most miles per resident?
FHWA's 2022 urbanized-area table shows the most driving per resident in Nashville-Davidson, TN (41.9 vehicle miles a day), Knoxville, TN and Birmingham, AL, against a median of 21.3 across 493 urbanized areas.
What it shows: Nashville-Davidson, TN is the largest at 41.9, followed by Knoxville, TN at 33.0; the smallest shown is San Antonio, TX at 28.0.
If this part was recalled, is the repair free?
Federal law (49 U.S.C. 30120) requires a maker to fix a recalled defect without charge for cars first bought within 15 calendar years (tires within 5), and NHTSA lists 35 recall campaigns for parts matched to a tire since model year 2015, covering about 246,676 vehicles.
| Rule or count | What it says |
|---|---|
| Age limits | The free-remedy duty does not apply to a car first bought more than 15 calendar years, or a tire first bought more than 5 calendar years, before the recall notice. |
| Failure to fix | A repair not done adequately within 60 days of presentation is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time; the maker must then replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price less depreciation. |
| Free remedy | A maker must fix a recall defect without charge. |
| NHTSA recalls matched to a tire since model year 2015 | 35 recall campaigns covering about 246,676 vehicles |
How old is this tire? Read the date code.
Under federal rule 49 CFR 574.5 every tire carries a DOT identification number whose final four digits are its date code, two digits for the week and two for the year it was made, so a code of 3524 means week 35 of 2024 and tire age can be read before you buy.
Reading the DOT date code on a tire (49 CFR 574.5). Last four digits of the DOT number: the date code: two digits for the week, two for the year of manufacture what (3524 = made in week 35 of 2024); First two of the four digits: week of the year; 01 is the first full calendar week (Sunday to Saturday) what (35 = the 35th week); Last two of the four digits: year of manufacture what (24 = 2024).
Does my state add a scrap-tire fee to the tire bill?
36 of 50 U.S. states charge a scrap-tire fee on new tires and 14 do not, with flat fees from $0.25 to $5.00 per tire, so four tires add up to $20.00 at the highest flat fee against $0 in states with no fee.
| State | Fee per new tire (as published) | On four tires | Share of $668 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1.00 | $4.00 | 0.6% |
| Alaska | $2.50 / passenger tire extra $5.00 / studded tire | varies | |
| Arizona | 2% or $2.00 max | varies | |
| Arkansas | $2.00 / new passenger tire extra $3.00 / new truck tire (>20" rim) | varies | |
| California | $1.75 | $7.00 | 1.0% |
| Colorado | $1.25 | $5.00 | 0.7% |
| Connecticut | No state fee | $0.00 | |
| Delaware | $2.00 | $8.00 | 1.2% |
| Florida | $1.00 | $4.00 | 0.6% |
| Georgia | $1.00 | $4.00 | 0.6% |
| Hawaii | No state fee | $0.00 | |
| Idaho | No state fee | $0.00 | |
| Illinois | $2.50 | $10.00 | 1.5% |
| Indiana | $0.25 | $1.00 | 0.1% |
| Iowa | No state fee | $0.00 | |
| Kansas | $0.25 | $1.00 | 0.1% |
| Kentucky | $2.00 | $8.00 | 1.2% |
| Louisiana | $1.25 / recapped or retreaded tire, $2.25 / passenger tire, $5.00 / medium truck tire, $10.00 / off-road tire | varies | |
| Maine | $1.00 | $4.00 | 0.6% |
| Maryland | $0.80 | $3.20 | 0.5% |
| Massachusetts | No state fee | $0.00 | |
| Michigan | $1.50 per vehicle title transfer | varies | |
| Minnesota | No state fee | $0.00 | |
| Mississippi | $1.00 or $2.00 based on size | varies | |
| Missouri | $0.50 | $2.00 | 0.3% |
| Montana | No state fee | $0.00 | |
| Nebraska | $1.00 | $4.00 | 0.6% |
| Nevada | $1.00 | $4.00 | 0.6% |
| New Hampshire | No state fee | $0.00 | |
| New Jersey | $1.50 | $6.00 | 0.9% |
| New Mexico | $1.50 | $6.00 | 0.9% |
| New York | $2.50 | $10.00 | 1.5% |
| North Carolina | 1% on or 2% based on size | varies | |
| North Dakota | No state fee | $0.00 | |
| Ohio | $1.00 | $4.00 | 0.6% |
| Oklahoma | $2.90 or $5.50 or more based on size | varies | |
| Oregon | No state fee | $0.00 | |
| Pennsylvania | $1.00 | $4.00 | 0.6% |
| Rhode Island | $5.00 | $20.00 | 3.0% |
| South Carolina | $2.00 | $8.00 | 1.2% |
| South Dakota | $0.25 | $1.00 | 0.1% |
| Tennessee | $1.35 | $5.40 | 0.8% |
| Texas | No state fee | $0.00 | |
| This page's calculator midpoint | tire | $668 | |
| Utah | $1.00 | $4.00 | 0.6% |
| Vermont | No state fee | $0.00 | |
| Virginia | $0.50 | $2.00 | 0.3% |
| Washington | $1.00 | $4.00 | 0.6% |
| West Virginia | $10 / vehicle title transfer | varies | |
| Wisconsin | No state fee | $0.00 | |
| Wyoming | No state fee | $0.00 |
How many miles a year does my kind of vehicle really drive?
In the 2022 National Household Travel Survey, Van owners report driving an average 15,194 miles a year against 13,298 for Pickup owners, and 24.5% of Van owners drive 15,000 miles or more (reported mileage, survey-weighted).
| Vehicle type | Average miles per year | Share driven 15,000 miles or more | Vehicles surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van | 15,194 | 24.5% | 648 |
| Car | 14,950 | 20.6% | 6,232 |
| SUV | 14,351 | 21.5% | 4,479 |
| Pickup | 13,298 | 22% | 2,331 |
Is it recalled or covered?
| Recall number | Vehicles | Cars recalled | What the recall says |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21V-169 | Nissan Titan 2018–2021; Nissan Altima 2019–2020 | 36,141 | Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. |
| 21V-115 | Chevrolet Express 2018–2021; GMC Sierra 1500 2019–2020; GMC Savana 2018–2021 and 13 more | 33,838 | 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. |
| 22V-034 | Audi S5 2019–2021; Audi A4 Allroad 2020–2021; Audi S7 2020–2021 and 20 more | 31,058 | Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V-704 | Cadillac Optiq 2025–2026; Chevrolet Equinox EV 2025–2026 | 22,914 | Tire tread detachment increases the risk of a crash. |
| 21V-155 | Ford Escape 2019; Ford F-150 2018; Ford F-350 SD 2018–2020 and 1 more | 15,769 | Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. |
| 24V-767 | Toyota Tundra 2024; Toyota Tundra Hybrid 2024; Toyota Sequoia Hybrid 2024 | 11,890 | A sudden loss of tire pressure can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 15V-864 | Hyundai Genesis 2015 | 11,142 | Tire sidewall cracks could cause a rupture during use, resulting in a rapid air loss and loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V-612 | Chevrolet Equinox 2021–2022; GMC Terrain 2021; GMC Terrain NA 2022 | 9,597 | Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
27 more recalls name this part, on smaller fleets. The car finder at the top checks yours.
A bulletin is a repair procedure a maker sends its dealers, not a safety defect: if your maker is listed, ask the dealer whether one covers your car and quote its number.
| Maker | Vehicles | Bulletin number | Date | What it says |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi | A8 L 2027; SQ6 E-Tron 2025–2027 and 56 more | TSB_2074843_3 | Aug 21, 2026 | This bulletin provides information when there is a wheel/tire imbalance. |
| Mazda | CX-90 Plug-IN Hybrid 2024–2026; CX-70 2025–2026 and 2 more | 02-003-26 | Jun 25, 2026 | DESCRIPTION Some vehicles have reported faster than expected tire wear for vehicles equipped with OEM "Falken 275/45/21" tires, without outside influence such as low tire pressure or out of specification alignment, and the tire life may not meet customer. |
| Audi | SQ6 Sportback E-Tron 2025–2027; SQ6 E-Tron 2025–2027 and 2 more | TSB_2081840_2 | May 27, 2026 | This bulletin provides information when there is a noise from the front axle tires. |
| Chrysler | Pacifica 2026; Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid 2026 and 1 more | 28D Combo | May 15, 2026 | Customer satisfaction notification 28D NORTH AMERICA Incompatible Spare. |
| Mazda | Mazda3 2024–2026; CX-50 Hybrid 2025–2026 and 4 more | SA-002-26 | Jan 6, 2026 | Some customers may complain that the tire sidewalls are distorted or "damaged". |
| Chevrolet | Bolt EV 2017–2024; Cheverolet SS 2015–2017 and 44 more | 25-NA-156 | Jun 7, 2025 | This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities. |
62 more bulletins name this part; the car finder at the top checks yours, and the NHTSA bulletin file linked below lists them all.
What do owners say?
4 complaints quoted word for word, each with its NHTSA number.
The ball joint for the front left tire broke while driving on a straight road and caused over $2,100 worth of damage to the wheel, axle, brake, etc.
Encouraged proactively replacing the 2 piece lug nuts with a new one piece design for a cost of $128 for 4 tires.
Tires were purchased from Discount Tires a few years back and on 6/08/2021 I went back to them due to a flat back passenger tire and they stated they are unable to patch and replaced the tire with a cost of $122.
Stated it was normal wear and tear, but offered to sell me a tire and wheel protection package to cover future damage for $2500.00.
Check your car
Four midsize tires, installed, come to $392–$944 in our estimate (parts plus installation at a $120/hr shop rate). That's an estimate, not a quote, so a number far outside it is a reason to ask questions. Use the tire cost calculator to put in your own car.
Before you pay, check one thing: 108 recalls in NHTSA's records cover tires. If yours is one of them, the replacement may not be yours to pay for. Check your VIN first, then shop.
How much does tire cost for a set of 4?
Our default estimate is $392–$944 for 4 midsize/standard tires, parts and installation at a $120/hr shop rate. The estimate scales evenly with the number of tires, so you can price a partial set:
| Tires | Estimate |
|---|---|
| 1 tire | $98–$236 |
| 2 tires | $196–$472 |
| 3 tires | $294–$708 |
| 4 tires | $392–$944 |
| 5 tires (with spare) | $490–$1,180 |
The gap between low and high is wide because tire grade is the biggest lever you control. The low end is a basic tire and the high end is a premium one. Nothing on the ticket is "the" price until the shop names the exact tire.
Ask the shop for the brand, model and size on the quote, plus the total out the door. If it can't tell you those three things, get another quote.
What changes tire cost the most?
Vehicle class changes a set of four by more than $1,000 at the top end. In our estimate, an economy or compact car runs $272–$744, a midsize car $392–$944, an SUV or truck $552–$1,344, and a luxury or performance car $872–$2,144.
Wheel size moves it too. Holding the class at midsize/standard:
| Wheel size | Estimate for 4 |
|---|---|
| 15–16" (compact / economy) | $296–$704 |
| 19–20" (SUV / crossover) | $520–$1,264 |
| 21–22"+ (truck / performance) | $680–$1,664 |
Tire type is the third lever. Winter or snow tires come to $488–$1,184 for four, and performance or summer tires to $648–$1,584. Both sit above the $392–$944 default.
Our estimate can tell you what each choice costs today.
Before you order, price the exact size printed on your sidewall in the calculator. Add winter tire cost separately if you swap seasonally.
Does the shop change tire cost?
Not by much. An independent shop ($100/hr) comes to $380–$920 for four midsize tires, and a dealer ($175/hr) to $424–$1,012. That is $44 at the low end and $92 at the high end, because labor is a small slice of the ticket and the tire itself is most of it.
Plenty of owners assume the dealer is the only safe place to buy. On the Tesla thread, one commenter wrote that "there are still a ton of people that get super basic repairs done only at the dealership, for 2-3x what they would've paid at a local shop." Our estimate doesn't show 2-3x on tires. It shows a modest labor difference.
So don't pay extra for the dealer's name, and don't drive across town to save $44. Get a second quote for the tire brand, not the shop. Ask: "Is this price for the same tire, installed, with balancing?"
How do I budget for the set I actually need?
Start with the row for your vehicle class, then add the choices that apply to you. Divide any four-tire estimate by 4 and you get the per-tire range, which helps when you're replacing one or two:
| Vehicle class | 4 tires | Per tire |
|---|---|---|
| Economy / compact | $272–$744 | |
| Midsize | $392–$944 | $98–$236 |
| SUV / truck | $552–$1,344 | |
| Luxury / performance | $872–$2,144 |
Each choice below is measured against the $392–$944 midsize default. Here's what it adds or removes at the low and high ends of the range:
- Winter tires ($488–$1,184): $96 more at the low end, $240 more at the high end.
- Dealer instead of a $120/hr shop ($424–$1,012): $32 more at the low end, $68 more at the high end.
- Independent shop ($380–$920): $12 less at the low end, $24 less at the high end.
The pattern is easy to see. What you put on the wheels moves the price by hundreds of dollars. Where you buy moves it by tens.
One warning: these are separate comparisons, not a formula. We don't have an estimate for stacked choices, so don't add the rows together. If you want winter tires in a 19–20" size, run that exact combination in the calculator.
Here's how to use the ranges with a quote in your hand. That's not proof of a rip-off, but it's a reason to ask for an itemized ticket: tire brand and size, installation, and every add-on.
Now say you only need two tires on a midsize car. The estimate is $196–$472. A quote well above $472 for two deserves the same question.
And if the shop says it must replace all four, ask why. Then compare that reason against the $392–$944 four-tire range.
Buying a spare with the set? Five tires come to $490–$1,180 in our estimate. Ask whether the spare matches the other four in brand and size, and whether the quote includes mounting it.
Write down your class, your wheel size and the tire type you want before you call any shop. Then you can hold every quote up against the same numbers.
When two quotes differ, work out which line explains the gap. A $300 difference on a midsize set is far more likely to be a premium versus basic tire than a dealer versus independent labor charge, since the shop type moves the estimate by only $44 to $92. Ask each shop for the brand, model and size, and compare those first.
If both quotes name the same tire, the cheaper one wins. If they name different tires, you're comparing tires, not shops.
What do owners tell NHTSA about tires?
Safety first: a bulge, exposed cord or sudden air loss means stop driving and get the tire looked at today. A vibration or uneven wear is a get-it-checked-this-week problem. Price shopping comes after either one.
Owners have filed 15,354 complaints with NHTSA that name tires, for model years 2015 to 2025. One thing to keep in mind: these are owners' own reports, not lab results, and our matching picks up words that contain "tire", so some complaints are about something else. It's still the best record of what people run into.
Most of the complaints come early. The middle half of the 5,909 owners who gave a mileage reported between 8,000 and 43,000 miles, with a median of 20,000. The median vehicle age was 2 years across 15,071 complaints, and 53% were under 3 years old.
The models that come up most are the Ford F-150 (436 complaints, median 40,000 miles), Ford F-250 Super Duty (432), Jeep Wrangler (373), Ford Explorer (344), Honda CR-V (338) and Chevrolet Corvette (316). Some of these are big sellers, so raw counts mislead. A better clue is share.
316 of the 744 complaints about the Corvette name tires (42.5%), and 432 of 3,942 for the F-250 Super Duty (11%).
Of the 8,212 complaints that gave a speed, 52% were at 55 mph or faster. On the NHTSA form, owners checked 1,077 crashes, 201 fires and 691 injuries, and reported 16 deaths. Those are box ticks on owner complaints, not proof a tire caused each event.
Cost shows up in their words. Seventy-eight owners wrote in a dollar amount, with a median of $800 and a middle half of $200 to $2,000. One owner of a 2016 Buick Encore wrote: "when traveling down the interstate, the tread from A continental tire contiprocontact catastrophically and suddenly ripped away causing extreme damage ($4915.15 IN REPAIRS) to the body of my vehicle" (complaint #11174659).
Another owner, with a 2015 F-250 Super Duty at 75,000 miles, guessed wrong: "I thought it was tires, so I went out and had $1,600 worth of tires put on it with an alignment, nope" (complaint #11298862). If your truck shakes, get the cause diagnosed before you buy four tires.
Before you buy: ask the shop to show you the tread depth and any uneven wear. Uneven wear points to alignment or suspension, not the tire.
What extra charges show up at the counter?
The estimate already includes installation (see tire installation cost for that line alone), so the surprises are the add-ons. The tire installation itself was named in 6.5% (1,001) of the 15,354 complaints, the rim in 6% (919) and tire rotation in 4.5% (689).
The clearest add-on in the owner record is a warranty. A 2015 Ford Focus owner wrote: "JUST REMEMBERED...the salesman sneaked in A "TIRE & WHEEL WARRANTY" FOR $1,600" (complaint #11289923). Ask what a warranty covers, and what it costs, before you sign.
Balancing is another one. That's their experience, not our estimate, so ask the shop. See our tire balancing cost page for the range.
An unpatchable tire is the third. A repair you assumed was cheap can turn into a full replacement. Ask for the tire to be inspected first.
Last, an alignment is worth pricing when you buy new tires. See wheel alignment cost. One owner paid $120 for an alignment at 25,000 miles on a Jeep Cherokee (complaint #11143849).
Do you need to buy from your leasing dealer? On the BMW thread, commenters disagreed about "star-rated" tires. One found the actual lease language: tread depth of less than 1/8" remaining. Read your own lease paperwork before you decide.
Before you pay for tires
Owners told NHTSA about tires 15,354 times, and half of the 15,071 who gave a vehicle age said it was 2 years old or less at the time. Don't assume a new tire problem is your fault, and don't assume a new set fixes it.
This week: put your car's size into the calculator and check your VIN for recalls.
Before you pay: ask the shop for brand, model, size and the total out the door. Ask what the warranty covers. Ask to see the old tire's tread.
Next service: ask about tire rotation cost so your new set wears evenly.
Get a second quote if the first is far above $392–$944 for a midsize car. You'll know what to ask.
Watch: We Tested The Same Tires at Costco, Walmart, and Discount Tire (Auto Care Lab).
Frequently asked questions
How much do 4 new tires cost installed?
Four midsize tires cost $392–$944 installed in our estimate, at a $120/hr shop rate. An economy car runs $272–$744 and an SUV or truck $552–$1,344. Your quote depends on the tire you pick, so ask for brand, model and size.
Do I have to buy tires from the dealer?
No. Our estimate is $424–$1,012 at a dealer and $380–$920 at an independent shop for four midsize tires. Check your paperwork if you lease.
Why is my tire quote higher than the estimate?
Your quote may be for a bigger wheel, a premium tire or added services. A 21–22"+ set is $680–$1,664 in our estimate, and a warranty or alignment adds to the ticket. Ask the shop to itemize.
How much does it cost to replace one tire?
One midsize tire is $98–$236 installed in our estimate. Two are $196–$472. Some shops want to replace tires in pairs, so ask whether they'd require it for your car.
Are there recalls on tires?
Yes. 108 recalls cover tires, with 275,031 vehicles from 2015 models on. Check your VIN with NHTSA before you buy.
Sources
Data shown on this page
- NHTSA owner complaint file (2015-2019 · 2020-2024 · 2025-2026) file downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA recall file file downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA service bulletin file (2015-2019 · 2020-2024 · 2025-2026) file downloaded 2026-10-05
- CalcScrape calculator model scaled by BEA Regional Price Parities data from 2024
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), U.S. city average file downloaded 2026-08
- NHTSA Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) ratings file downloaded 2026-10-05
- North Carolina Division of Air Quality, Vehicle Safety and Emissions Inspection Frequency Study data from 2017
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Survey, item 480110 Tires - purchased, replaced, and installed data from 2024
- NHTSA Crash Report Sampling System (CRSS), 2019–2022 pooled data from 2022
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020 (annual), joined to NHTSA owner complaints file downloaded 2026-10-06
- BLS Producer Price Index, commodity data for motor vehicle parts (series WPU07120104); BLS Consumer Price Index item SETD for the repair row file downloaded August 2026
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, Foreign Campaigns (filings under 49 CFR 579.11, public API) file downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall quarterly reports (basis of the Annual List of Recall Completion Rates) file downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA National Center for Statistics and Analysis, Tire Pressure Special Study: Vehicle Observation Data (DOT HS 809 317) data from 2001
- NYC Open Data 311 Service Requests (erm2-nwe9, descriptor Pothole) and City of Chicago 311 Service Requests - Pot Holes Reported - Historical (7as2-ds3y) data from 2025
- Colorado DOT, Highway Quality in Colorado 2018 (data.colorado.gov skxn-j975), cond field (drivability life class) data from 2018
- FHWA Highway Statistics 2022, Table HM-72 (urbanized areas: daily vehicle miles per capita) data from 2022
- 49 U.S.C. 30120 (Remedies for defects and noncompliance), text via Cornell Legal Information Institute; NHTSA recall campaigns data from 2026
- eCFR, 49 CFR 574.5 Tire identification requirements (NHTSA) data from 2025
- U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (compiling state statutes), State End-of-Life Tire Legislation Summary, October 2024 file data from 2024
- FHWA, 2022 NextGen National Household Travel Survey, vehicle file file downloaded 2026-10
Terms: US government data, public domain.
Observed: records as filed; owner reports are unverified and are not failure rates. Modeled: our estimate, not a quote. Derived: computed from the records; an association, not a cause. Reported: figures as reported by the publisher, not independently verified. Rule: a published legal rule, not a measurement; whether it covers a given repair depends on the car and the facts.
What is our own estimate
The price range comes from our calculator's formula. Its parts prices, labor hours per job and shop-rate tiers are CalcScrape estimates, not a published price dataset. Checked against 3 established price guides on 2026-09-29: our default's midpoint is 23% below the middle of the median of 3 published guides. Methodology