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Customer reviews for Michelin Defender2 - 225/50R17 98H Tire for
Michelin Defender2 - 225/50R17 98H Tire
4.7 out of 5 stars
stars
1,034 ratings1,030 reviews
  1. 5 stars85% (874)
  2. 4 stars8% (82)
  3. 3 stars3% (30)
  4. 2 stars2% (19)
  5. 1 star3% (29)

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Showing 391-400 of 1,030 reviews
Nov 27, 2024
Reviewer name: Up North
3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars review

Traction B???

I bought a set of four of the Defender 2 model earlier this month expecting them to be an improved version of my previous Michelin Defender tires. What I didn’t know until I got home and had a chance to look them over more closely was that the traction rating is “B,” unlike the previous model of tires which were rated “A” for traction. What a disappointment! Why would you have this mediocre traction design to the Defender 2, Michelin? My only other Michelin option for the size I need was the snow tire model, but I wanted year round, all season tires and that left the Defender 2 as the remaining choice. While it’s great to buy tires made in the USA, this traction B rating seems rather bush league coming from such a renowned manufacturer.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?4L4QVIBWA1IX13588724646
reply from Consumer Care MIC US

Up North, The UTQG traction grade is a 40-year-old, locked-wheel wet braking test and is, in our estimation and in the estimation of the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, a method that is outdated and inconsistent because all modern vehicles have anti-lock brakes. A braking test based on anti-lock brakes measuring peak adherence rather than slide adherence, which is better suited for today’s vehicle. Michelin has chosen to design tires based on anti-lock braking, not locked-wheel braking. This sometimes produces a lower locked-wheel result, even though our testing and independent testing used in claims show the MICHELIN® Defender®2 tire to have superior wet braking over leading competitors. This question is an excellent one and highlights why regulation needs to be updated and/or eliminated as technology changes and improves. Our testing and independent testing show that consumers will be very pleased with the wet braking performance of the MICHELIN® Defender®2 tire, not only in when the tire is new, but even as it wears.

Jan 19, 2023
Reviewer name: LarryP
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Michelin Tires are the BEST!

Amazing handling, and my car has never driven so smooth! I did see an immediate drop in MPG approximately 4 mpg due to having more rubber on the ground which explains the go cart like handling. The overall handling and comfort is well worth the small loss in mpg.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?4L4QVIBWA1IX13588724646
Dec 19, 2024
Reviewer name: Anonymous
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Better Than Goodyear Assurance Max Life

I originally purchased a set of Goodyear Assurance Max Life tires in September. After putting 8,000 miles on them, I just wasn’t happy with them, especially after the first heavy rain. America’s tire bought the Good Years back and sold me this set of Michelins. I could feel the difference almost immediately. After almost a week on the tires, they are very quiet and smooth, even on rough roads. Have not driven in the rain with them yet, but I am sure they will be excellent. Very happy with these tires.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?4L4QVIBWA1IX13588724646
Nov 19, 2023
Reviewer name: Apo
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Excellent tires!

I got the tires about 3 weeks ago for my Nissan Rogue Sport 2020, and already put almost 1000 miles. They have excellent traction and tread (much better than the Bridgestone that came with the car whe. I bought it). The mileage has improved slightly (I would say between 5 and 10%) and the car handles very well in rain and when turning. I still have not driven in the snow. I read carefully the reviews before buying the tires and feel that some customers left unfair feedback. A lot of people don't inflate their tires properly or service them and they trashed Michelin Defender 2 unfairly. If you don't have tire pressure indicators on your dashboard, roll up your sleeves and check the pressure yourself every few weeks (it's unsafe to drive with under-inflated tires and your fuel consumption will go up). Spend a few dollars and rotate your tires every 10k and get new tire alignment every year - it will extend the longevity of your tires!

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?4L4QVIBWA1IX13588724646
Sep 25, 2023
Reviewer name: Bill310
1 out of 5 stars
1 out of 5 stars review

Bad Tramlining

I recently purchased these to replace my set of 70,000 mi Energi that came on my car from the OEM. First thoughts of the Defender were good until I had to drive on the highway. The amount of groove wander I have with these tires is alarming. In fact so alarming, I had to stop driving on the highway because I thought a wheel was loose. I took the car to the dealer where they had it for three days trying to figure what I was complaining about. I think they are a good tire just not suited for my Fusion.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?4L4QVIBWA1IX13588724646
reply from Consumer Care MIC US

Bill310, we're sorry to read that you are dissatisfied with the Defender2. Remember, as part of the Michelin Promise Plan, the tires have a 60 day satisfaction guarantee. Simply return to the selling retailer for the tires to be swapped out. One of our agents will be in touch to discuss options for your vehicle.

Nov 6, 2023
Reviewer name: MaryAnn
3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars review

Not as quiet as the Michelin Energy Saver

i recently purchased the Defender 2 for my Toyota Camry LE. My original tires were the Michelin Energy Saver. These tires seem to perform well, but they are not as quiet as the Energy Saver. I'm considering swapping them out for the Energy Saver because of this. Have you heard this from any other reviews?

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?4L4QVIBWA1IX13588724646
reply from Michelin US

MaryAnn, sorry to read you are experiencing noise with the Defender 2 tires. There are many factors involved in harmonics of all vehicle/tire combinations. Remember, as part of the Michelin Promise Plan, we have a 60 day satisfaction guarantee. Have your retailer contact us with any questions.

Sep 3, 2025
Reviewer name: Ben Dover
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

My second set

My first set of these tires came with the car when I bought it new. I put 55,000 miles on them before I replaced them. Back in the day, I would have driven until I had a flat, but no more. I could have put another 5 K on them, but safety first. Also the traction was a little off.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?4L4QVIBWA1IX13588724646
Aug 21, 2025
Reviewer name: Doc423
1 out of 5 stars
1 out of 5 stars review

Horrible Roaring Road Noise!!

They ride and steer Great!! But they sound HORRIBLE...."roaring" road noise from 30-70 mph, droning sound so bad that you can't even hear yourself think. If you want to buy them back or swap them, would be happy to. Very disappointed with the Defender2's, have always had good luck with your Michelin brand until now.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?4L4QVIBWA1IX13588724646
reply from Consumer Care MIC US

We're sorry that you are experiencing this issue. Please visit an authorized tire retailer for an inspection of the tires, and have the dealer contact us at 866-866-6605, 8am - 7pm EST (Mon-Fri) and 9am - 1pm EST (Sat).

Jun 7, 2024
Reviewer name: Linda52
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Quiet and Smooth Ride

I purchased these tires for my VW bug. I wanted a quiet tire and a smooth ride as my can is small and if the wrong tire is purchased it can be noisy. These tires are just what I wanted. They are quiet and give a smooth ride. I recommend them highly!

Review from michelinman.com
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Jun 30, 2025
Reviewer name: Mike
3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars review

Not like the old Defender tire

I had defender tires on my old vehicle… super quiet and smooth. They made it 110,000 miles.. super happy. So I bought the new defender2 tire. Something has changed in the compound of the defender2 tire. Rides much rougher and and not nearly as quiet as the continental tires that came on my MDX. Decent … but not overwhelmed by these tires.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?4L4QVIBWA1IX13588724646