Kelly Tires — Safety & Complaint Data
Source: NHTSA — 27 complaints
27
Total Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Treadwear Rating (How Long They Last)
NHTSA Uniform Tire Quality Grading (2024). Higher treadwear = longer lasting. A tire rated 400 should last twice as long as one rated 200.
509
Average Treadwear
420
Lowest
600
Highest
| Model | Treadwear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDGE HT | 600 | A | B |
| EDGE TOURING A/S | 600 | A | A |
| EDGE AT | 560 | A | B |
| SAFARI SIGNATURE (P) | 540 | A | B |
| EDGE A/S | 500 | A | B |
| EDGE A/S PERFORMANCE | 500 | A | B |
| EDGE SPORT | 500 | AA | A |
| SAFARI ATR (P) | 500 | A | B |
| EDGE HP | 460 | A | A |
| CHARGER GT | 420 | A | A |
| EXPLORER PLUS | 420 | A | B |
Failure Types
Most common failure modes reported for Kelly tires.
Bead/Sidewall Split
6
Tread Separation
5
Blowout
4
Other Failure/Road Hazard
2
Traction
2
Tread/Sidewall Wear
2
Most Complained Kelly Models
Charger Hpt (11)
Edge (5)
Navigator Gold (4)
Kly Explorer As (4)
Signature Hpt (3)
Sample Complaints
"DT: 2001 W9 KENWORTH, KELLY TIRES 11R22.5. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THIS OCCURRED ON A TWO WEEK OLD TIRE LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR INSIDE. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO A TRAVEL CENTER THEY SENT THE TIRE TO GOODYEAR. GOODYEAR STATED IT WAS A DEFECTIVE TIRE. TH"
"TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 1979 PETERBUILT 359 THREE AXLE HEAVY TRUCK SIDEWALLS TIRES BLEW OUT. HE HAD THREE BLOW OUTS WHILE DRIVING AT 40-60 MPH. THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE HAD BLOW OUTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DEALERSHIP INFORMED HIM THAT THE SIDEWALL WAS S"
"THE ACTUAL TIRE BRAND IS KONA; I ENTERED (KELLY ).THE ACTUAL TIRE BRAND IS KONA CLT. LOOK OUT FOR THIS ENTRY. REPORT TO GEORGE. THE TIRES WERE 215 85 16 LR E; DOT'S 25 BL 1608; 25 JC 1608 AND 25 JC 2508 THE BRAND WAS KONA CLT. THERE WERE 5 BAD TIRES RETURNED. THE VEHICLE LISTED IS NOT CORRECT, AS"
Extend Your Tire Life
With an average treadwear rating of 509, these are moderate-life tires. Regular rotation and proper inflation are key to maximizing their lifespan.
- Check tire pressure monthly and before long trips — underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure
- Rotate tires every 5,000-7,500 miles to ensure even wear
- Get a wheel alignment check annually and after hitting major potholes
- Inspect tread depth regularly — replace at 4/32 inch for wet weather safety
- Avoid rapid acceleration, hard braking, and sharp turns which accelerate wear
- Store seasonal tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and ozone sources
Looking for a replacement?
Based on the data above, here are relevant options.
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Data source: NHTSA tire complaint data. Public domain.
Complaint counts reflect consumer-reported issues. See our disclaimers.
Data through: 2026-03-28