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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 41-50 of 914 reviews
Oct 2, 2025
aca2414
1 out of 5 stars review

Terrible wet weather tire

Worst tires I have ever owned. I drive a 2015 Honda Odyssey and the Defender 2 makes this car almost indriveable in wet weather. In the rain or on wet pavement from a stop sign there is tire slippage and if I am turning from a stop sign the tires slip to the point that the traction light turns on (I am being very gentle on the throttle). Merging from a turn causes the van to slide and momentarily lose traction. I have had the tires store where I bought these look at them on 2 occasions and nothing visibly wrong with the tire, and I have had repair shops check out the van, and it is fine. I am going into my 3rd winter with these tires and every wet season they have been terrible. Stay away from these tires, especially if you own a 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey.

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

We’re sorry to hear about the traction issues you’ve encountered in wet conditions. Safety and performance are our top priorities, and your feedback is important to us.

Sep 25, 2023
Bill310
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?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
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.

Dec 5, 2025
rgbsax
3 out of 5 stars review

Not recommended for Toyota Avalon Limited 2005

Nice at first, but every time I rotate they handle poorly. They seem to overinflate after driving on the highway and are atrocious, worse after about 30000 miles. I would throw these on a minivan, not an Avalon. If you don't care about ride quality or handling these are your tires.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Nov 2, 2025
TB02
5 out of 5 stars review

Incredible ride

Despite having nearly 50k miles on my truck, after my new Michelin Defender2 tires were installed, it felt like I was driving a new vehicle. I was so pleasantly surprised I had to let someone know so I texted (using CarPlay of course) my wife and a friend.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Sep 26, 2022
jitterbug
5 out of 5 stars review

Wears slow, great traction, low noise

I bought these tires in May after my OE tires needed to be replaced and they have exceeded my expectations. They provide excellent traction when dry or wet and my vehicle is super quiet while on the road. It's likely that these tires will last at least twice as long as my OE tires. You won't regret this purchase.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Sep 21, 2023
Roberto
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?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
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.

Dec 29, 2025
Phil
4 out of 5 stars review

Great tires - but rebate process pain.

Tires are great but the rebate process is a nightmare. Could you possibly make it any more difficult to attach the receipt image? Really? Why not give an instant rebate at time of purchase? Only one reason I can think of, Michelin is hoping for leakage. Not a great customer experience.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Oct 24, 2025
Bobby
1 out of 5 stars review

Terrible rain performance

These tires are absolute garbage in the rain after 3 months. Whatever changed from previous defenders they should go back to. I tried with 90+ percent treadwear to have them warrantied and the credit offered was insulting. I have used defenders for ages but Michelin has lost me as a customer for life. Bas bad as the OE Hankook tires in civics. Never again. Premium price for awful wet performance.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Feb 17, 2024
Rick52
1 out of 5 stars review

Very noisy

Just installed a set of Defender 2 tires, re placing the Defender tires purchased 3 years ago. To my surprise the new tires a New tires are very noisy despite Michelin claiming they are very quiet.  The ride of the tire is very hard and as a result it creates a very noisy Ride when travelling on a rough road.  Not sure why you changed the style of tire.

Review from michelinman.com
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Dec 7, 2025
JenC
4 out of 5 stars review

Good tires

I upgraded to Defender2 tires and and happy so far. Ride is not only more quiet but is also smoother. A little better on gas mileage. Design seems good for my area of usage, construction and materials so far are holding up well, I have had them rotated once. They were more expensive than other choices but so far worth it. I was eligible for a discount given as a gift card and am not as satisfied with that option because I was only able to use it for the exact amount issued. This is almost impossible to do so I will have to leave a small amount left on the gift card. Michelin needs to change this to allow customers to use all of the discount given on the card.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735