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Customer reviews for Michelin Defender2 - 215/55R16 97H Tire for
Michelin Defender2 - 215/55R16 97H Tire
4.7 out of 5 stars
stars
1,035 ratings1,033 reviews
  1. 5 stars84% (874)
  2. 4 stars8% (83)
  3. 3 stars3% (30)
  4. 2 stars2% (19)
  5. 1 star3% (29)
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Showing 321-330 of 1,033 reviews
Sep 21, 2023
Reviewer name: Roberto
3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars review

A mixed bag ...

Put these on my 2019 Honda Accord, 225/50/17. They Mileage actually increased by 1.5mpg, they are quiet, and ride decently. But, they have poor on center feel. The tires wander so much on the highway that it feels like the car is being blown around by wind. The tires are perfectly balanced, the car has perfect alignment, and pressures are right on 32psi. I'm guessing it is tread squirm. Regardless, it is fatiguing to drive due to the constant corrections required. The lane keep and assist feature of my car is MUCH busier trying to keep the car centered. The ride is generally smooth, especially over more rounded bumps. But on square edge, sharper bumps (like 1" high peaked cracks), there is a harsh spike transmitted to the cabin. Super weird. I'm also a little concerned about wet and snow traction in SE Michigan. Interestingly, the same tires on my wife's 17 CRV feel brilliant. We've had 6 sets of Defenders over the years, and they were always a great choice. I'm a former master mechanic, and have never considered returning tires before. I have 1 more week left on the 30 day trial period, and I'm not sure I'm going to keep them. May have to try Pirelli or Continental.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
reply from Consumer Care MIC US

Roberto, thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're sorry to hear of your disappointment in the Defender2 tires. As part of the Michelin Promise, we do offer the satisfaction guarantee.

Nov 28, 2024
Reviewer name: Vietnam Combat Veteran KJ
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Wow, what a great set of Defender2 tires for snow and ice!

3 weeks before our first Colorado major winter storm, i had a set of Defender2 tires put on. Our first storm, over 5 days, was over 40" of snow, which then turned into several inches of ice. I have a very steep driveway and with my previous tires, I slid at every inch of snow we received (I have a 2023 KIA Sorento 4WD). Not only was I able to drive up my driveway without any trouble, but when I came back, I easily drove down the driveway without the ABS kicking in. These tires are amazing. Please thank the engineers. I have been driving for 64 years and have never had an experience so spectacular. Thank you all!

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Jan 6, 2024
Reviewer name: Thenepkp
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Amazing quiet and comfortable ride with better handling than the original equipment

I am so happy to get four new Michelin Defender 2 tires for my 2018 Toyota Corolla LE. I was considering the Cross Climate 2 but I glad I got the Defenders instead. It rides better than new and the Michelin Primacy MXV4 that came with the car were amazing and lasted 75000 miles and were still legal. The steering response is better than ever and the ride and directional stability are improved and very quiet. I highly recommend these to Corolla owners, because they are a perfect match. They go and go and go just like the Toyota cars

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Jul 19, 2024
Reviewer name: willjax2
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Smooth ride, great handeling

I purchased a set of these to replace a set of General AltMAX RT 43's. Boy, what a world of difference. Much quieter, and smoother ride. Handeling was noticeably quicker response. These tires really hug the road. Have driven on multiple road surfaces and they grip well in all terrain.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Oct 1, 2022
Reviewer name: Sticks49
4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars review

Michelin Defender 2

Had to buy these Defender 2 tires a few months ago because the Premier LTX D/T tires were supposedly being discontinued. Tires are adequate but not as comfortable of a ride versus the Premier LTX D/T tires. Disappointed in the Defender 2 Traction and Temperature ratings of "B", they should be at least A or better yet AA. I will only buy Michelin tires as long as they have quality tires and strive to improve tire materials and traction control; especially, in wet weather where I live. Unfortunately the YOKOHAMA YK740 GTX were rated better (A traction and A temperature) than the Defender 2 tires ; however, I do not like Yokohama tires. I have not had the Defender 2 tires long enough to rate treadwear; however, I do not expect them to last even 50,000 miles. We shall see!

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
reply from Consumer Care MIC US

Sticks49, thanks for taking the time to submit a review on the Defender 2. We understand your concern and wanted to share a bit more information with you. 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.

Jul 3, 2025
Reviewer name: Ron7530
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Exceptional tire!!! Defender 2

These tires have demonstrated exceptional handling capabilities. Road performance is superb, with unmatched wet and dry traction across various terrains. The tires appear to be durable, boasting an 80,000-mile rating. While the price point is slightly higher, the value proposition justifies the investment. This is undoubtedly a superior tire.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Oct 14, 2022
Reviewer name: Previous cvt owner 1234
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Dependable, reliable, durable

The last 5 cars I have owned in the past 10 years I have put defenders. I have never had major issues. I have had issues with the other tire manufacturers I have used. They are not cheap, but I do not have issues besides the occasional nail. These tires are great!

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Sep 22, 2025
Reviewer name: Michael
4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars review

Excellent smooth running, great steering and handling but susceptible to pavement ripple noise.

Great tire, absolutely 0 smooth-road noise, but I notice a reactionary thump over a certain type of road ripple, most likely due to the fact that the suspension was tuned for the Yokohamas that my van was designed with. I chose Michelin for their legendary safety record and I also lucked in to a tire with a long tread life. The original Avid tires had worn to a concerning tread depth at only 56 000 KM.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
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?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
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).

Dec 5, 2024
Reviewer name: lgeronimo
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Love these tires!!!!

I have not had a new set of tires in quite some time, and I just bought a set for my Rav 4. Love the way they feel, the way they hug the road and feel so much safer. I don't recall ever purchasing Michelin brand before and wish I had for sure! Definitely can tell the difference. It will be the brand I pick and recommend from now on.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956