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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
stars912 ratings910 reviews
  1. 5 stars84% (767)
  2. 4 stars8% (75)
  3. 3 stars3% (27)
  4. 2 stars2% (17)
  5. 1 star3% (26)
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Showing 381-390 of 910 reviews
Mar 21, 2024
JJ
3 out of 5 stars review

Harsh ride

These new Defender 2 tires provide a very harsh ride. I feel every little road imperfection. Especially noticeable at very low speeds. Feels like the tire is thumping, as though out of round. They are not. Have had dealer check and redo balance twice, last time on a Hunter Road Force Balancer. Tires and wheels all check out within all vehicle and tire specs. No manufacturing defects were noted (i.e. broken or separated belts, etc.). Tires are structurally sound. Also, alignment is perfect. I've had five sets of the prior version of this tire on different cars, Defender T & H, and was very satisfied with the performance and comfort. Never received the advertised 90K miles on any of those tires - more like 45-50K. But did not care. They gave a good ride. These Defender 2's feel like they are inflated to 50 lb! Very hard ride. But, I'll get used to them I am sure.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
reply from Michelin US

JJ, sorry to read of your disappointment in the ride. We have several families of tires that are each optimized to meet specific needs, such as mileage, durability, performance, control and comfort. As a last resort, remember that as part of the Michelin Promise Plan, there is a 60 day satisfaction guarantee. Simply return to the selling retailer for the tires to be swapped out. Contact us at 866-866-6605 with any questions.

Aug 25, 2024
Frank W
5 out of 5 stars review

Worth the Extra Money!

When we bought our new 2024 Subaru Forester it came with unacceptable tires which I insisted that the dealer replace with a set of Michelin Defenders. I had researched all tire offerings for this vehicle and these proved to be the highest-rated and best value and they have not disappointed me in any way. Premium rubber for a competitive price is always a great value. That your life and the lives of your family are at stake makes the decision an easy one. As we also roll on Michelin X-Ice 3s in the winter means that we will be covered for years to come!

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Apr 12, 2024
Ross
5 out of 5 stars review

Great Tires

I only use Michelin Tires on both of my vehicles, and have for many years, Michelin Defenders in the summer & Michelin X-Ice in the winter. I have always received great service, traction & ride, and highly recommend Michelin Tires to my Family & anyone who has asked.,

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Sep 9, 2023
Ibafilfan
5 out of 5 stars review

Perfect Tires

I bought these for my Jetta in 2019, my car had 62,000 miles on it. I am almost ready for new ones I have 145,000 on my car! I love Michelin’s won’t buy anything else, if it is good enough for the Paris Metro than it is good enough for me! (We road the Metro)

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Aug 23, 2023
Rav4 Prime
1 out of 5 stars review

Defender2 has poor traction

The Defender2 tires were a safety problem for my Rav4 Prime SE. The cars ABS periodically began to engage shortly after the Defender2 was mounted. Reference Michelin case numbers 03727059, 03673882 and others. I cannot recall the ABS ever engaging with the OEM tire (not Michelin) nor since replacing the Defender2 with Michelin Primacy Tour A/S tires. I've now had the Primacy Tour A/S tires mounted for nearly a thousand miles, no ABS engagements or dashboard warnings, I am happy with the Primacy Tour, but the Defender2 seems defective to me. The Defender2 would easily skid on dry roads, hence the ABS, dash lights and warning sounds from the car. First time I have ever used the "Michelin Promise Plan of a 60-day satisfaction guarantee", and am glad Michelin stood behind their product. Note that I did bring the car to a Toyota repair facility, who inspected the car and found it functioning properly. The dealer pointed out the Defender2 only had a B traction rating on the sidewall, suggesting the Defender2 was not a high traction tire and likely the culprit for the ABS activating. Thank you Michelin for standing behind your product and satisfaction guarantee. However, I feel the Defender2 is a bad product, at least for my Rav4 Prime SE. One last note, I tried to contact Michelin after the tires were replaced, to find out if they tested the Defender2 tires that came off my car. I was not successful in getting information. If someone at Michelin can contact me with any failure analysis, I would like to learn what was found. I hope the problem was isolated to the tires I had, not to all Defender2 tires

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
May 9, 2024
Harp
3 out of 5 stars review

Not up to my Expectation

I installed these tires on Mazda CX 9 2021, less than a month ago, after reading positive reviews about these tires. Disappointed, brand new tires, thumping noise at 100km/hr plus speed .Tire shop recheked it, balance it again, its better, but not the same smoothness as OEM tires Falken Ziex Ct 50. ires, balanced it again. I won't buy or recommend. Wish, could replace it with continental extreme contact.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Apr 29, 2025
MICH QUEEN
5 out of 5 stars review

I HAD MICHELIN DEFENDER 2 FOR NINE YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS SO I REPLACED THEM WITH THE SAME BRAND. I was pleased with the longevity and the ride. I live where there’s lots of snow, but it doesn’t stop me from driving. THE DEFENDER 2 tires plowed through without slipping or spinning I’m pleased with my purchase.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Aug 26, 2024
Happy customer.
5 out of 5 stars review

My tire.

I have been driving on michelin tires for 20 years now. I will always be driving on michelin tires. I have been driving now for over 50 years and on many other tire brands as well but michelin tires will always be on my vehicles now. Great company to deal with if you have an issue.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956
Oct 14, 2022
Previous cvt owner 1234
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
Apr 3, 2024
Random guy on the interne
5 out of 5 stars review

First set of Michelin's

Best tires I have ever owned. I have mainly leased in the past and OEM was never Michelin. I have worked in and around cars for a good part of my career and as an enthusiast as well, I always knew Michelin was the best. When it came time to replace all 4 on my wifes SUV, I knew there was only one brand. Handles like a dream in the rain, they absorb bumps and potholes much better than her old tires, and I feel way more confident with this rubber than other tires I have experienced. Not the cheapest but you get what you pay for.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?3MD1OTCAR9VA13712871956