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Customer reviews for Michelin Defender2 - 235/50R17 96H Tire for
Michelin Defender2 - 235/50R17 96H Tire
4.7 out of 5 stars
stars922 ratings914 reviews
  1. 5 stars84% (776)
  2. 4 stars8% (75)
  3. 3 stars3% (27)
  4. 2 stars2% (18)
  5. 1 star3% (26)

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Showing 31-40 of 914 reviews
Jan 2, 2026
Roadgripper
5 out of 5 stars review

Great tires!

Love the Michelin Defender 2 tires! First purchased a set for my wife's car. When it was time to replace tires on my car, no question which tire to go with. The tires have a smooth ride, but also grip the road well. Great traction in both wet and dry conditions.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Oct 1, 2022
Sticks49
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?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
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test and is, in our estimation and in the estimation of the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, a method that is outdated and inconsistent because all modern vehicles have anti-lock brakes.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.

Nov 19, 2023
Apo
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?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Dec 22, 2025
LaLaJewel
2 out of 5 stars review

Michelin Defender 2's - Worst tires I've had

I switched the Yokohama YK-GTX for Michelin Defender 2 tires. The Yokos were stiff, jolted over road holes/bumps, responsive steering, but were nice & quiet. Wanted a smooth, quiet ride, that handled curves smoothly and that absorbed holes and bumps on roads and the freeway like my previous Michelins did. The Defender 2 tires are horrible. My car feels like a Tilt-a-Whirl, unstable, squirrely, and they are not quiet, mostly smooth, but the steering needs second-to-second monitoring and concentration. My last Michelins were outstanding and outlasted their warranty, just stated cracking in the Arizona summer heat. They were smooth, quiet, absorbing and steered wonderfully. So disappointed, paid much more for the Michelins and now I feel stuck...

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
reply from Consumer Care MIC US

Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry these tires haven't met expectations. We recommend having an authorized dealer inspect the tires. Handling concerns can sometimes be caused by alignment, installation or vehicle related conditions. If your within 60 days of purchase, the Michelin Promise Plan includes a 60 day satisfaction guarantee. Feel free to discuss with your dealer or give us a call at 866-866-6605 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM EST, Sat 9 AM–1 PM EST).

Jan 3, 2026
melroy
5 out of 5 stars review

Best Tires the Defender 2

I was using the earlier Defender tires then got the Defender 2 tires. These tires are fantastic. Have used them in summer with heavy rains also now during winter with heavy snow and freezing rain. They have stopped without any noise and even on recent bad weather. Thank you Michelin.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Dec 3, 2025
Joni
5 out of 5 stars review

Michelin Keeps It's Promises

Now experiencing a renewed feeling of being connected to the road due to the responsive Defender 2 design. Whether on hot Florida pavement or downpour drenched roadways, movement is nimble while braking is smooth and confident. And, quiet, a noticeable difference over even the replaced premium brand. Michelin research and development continues to miraculously improve over the original Defender. With proper maintenance tread life will hopefully be achieved as well. And was it mentioned that these tires are quiet!

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Sep 22, 2025
Michael
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?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Sep 20, 2025
Kevin
5 out of 5 stars review

The only tire I will buy!

This is my fifth or sixth set of Defender 2 tires. These are the only tires I will by and recommend to family and friends. I live in New England with warm hot summers, rainy spring and icy and snowy winters. These tires are GREAT! And with an 80,000 warranty and Michelin standing behind it - I love the tires.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Sep 21, 2025
BigFry
5 out of 5 stars review

Outstanding Performance

I would not drive my car without Michelin Tires (and I have two Cars) since I purchased the car new in 2006. I have all ways purchased the best tire they make for my cars and have had nothing but the best ride and performance I could get from tires. Never had a tire that was defective and I have outstanding mileage performance from the Michelin Brand.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Nov 21, 2025
Not Mich
2 out of 5 stars review

So disappointed

Bought a set of tires for My Honda Pilot exactly a year ago and the tires are not good! When is wet or damp the traction is horrible, almost had an accident because tires kept spinning luckily nothing happened but I thought this tires were supposed to be good in wet conditions. Went to the place I bought them and they took them back but had to pay the difference for a different set of tires, NOT Michelin! So disappointed!

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
reply from Consumer Care MIC US

We’re sorry to hear about your experience with the Defender 2 tires. Safety is our top priority, and we understand your concern about wet traction. Please give our Consumer Care team a call to discuss further. Our number is 866-866-6605 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM EST, Sat 9 AM–1 PM EST).