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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 51-60 of 914 reviews
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
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.

Dec 2, 2025
P2410
2 out of 5 stars review

Rides rough

Just bought these tires for my VW Atlas because they have been great on my wife's car, but have been disappointed with how they ride. I expected a smooth ride but you can feel every bump in the road throughout the car. At first thought the tires were not balanced, but went back to the shop and they checked to confirm the tires were balanced. I would by again for my wife's car but not my VW.

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

We’re sorry to hear the ride hasn’t met your expectations on your VW Atlas. Keep in mind your tires comes with the Michelin Promise Plan. If you are dissatisfied with the tires, bring the original sales receipt to the place of purchase within 60 days for a new set of tires. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions. Our number is 866-866-6605 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM EST, Sat 9 AM–1 PM EST).

Sep 19, 2025
Bib for the Win!
5 out of 5 stars review

Great Ride

I'm a retired Red Seal Mechanic and I have never in my 45 years of experience had any issues with Michelin Tires. Most notably thing about installing and balancing Michelin tires is how well they fit along with minimal weights required to balance Michelin tires. Needless to say if you require 1oz or more in weight to balance a Michelin tire, then check your Rim! Michelin tires are also one of the quietest tires on the road, as well as superb performance! We have a saying in the mechanic world around these parts! Once you drive with Michelin Tires on your vehicle, you will not want to drive on anything else!

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Dec 18, 2025
BigFry
5 out of 5 stars review

The Best Tires

I installed a set of four on my 2006 Mercury Montego Premier and the handling, smooth ride and i have notice increased gas mileage. I been using Michelin's on my cars for over 35 years and will not put another brand tire of my cars. They have never failed and have given my excellent mileage wear, I usually have to change tires because they are to old and have become hard.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
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?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
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.

Jan 8, 2026
LF226
5 out of 5 stars review

Love my Defenders!

I love these tires! Had Defender XLTs on my 2012 Rav 4 and couldn't wait to put them on my new car. I like the thick tread and way the drive through water. My car just feels more safe, as crazy as that sounds. I now have Defender LTX on my 2022 Rav 4 and still enjoy the ride!

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Nov 10, 2025
Dave
5 out of 5 stars review

Comfort Ride

When I drove away from the shop that installed my new Michelins, I was impressed by how quiet my car became. Handling was smooth and easy compared to my old tires. They look great on my car and I'm looking forward to years of comfortable driving on them !!!!

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?6FL3JYW3TZAB13728511735
Nov 11, 2022
Eric100
2 out of 5 stars review

Bumpy ride on smooth roads.

The Defender 2 tires are replacements on my Lexus ES 350. The tires are quiet and handle well but they are very bumpy/rough riding. I've had the tires rebalanced but it didn't fix the bumpy ride. I've driven them about 500 miles so far and I wouldn't recommend these tires due to the ride quality. I'm giving two stars because they are very quiet and handle great.

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

Eric100, thanks for taking the time to write a review. We appreciate your feedback. Keep in mind, the Defender2, as well as all Michelin products, have a 60 day satisfaction guarantee as part of the Michelin Promise Plan. Simply return to your retailer for the tires to be swapped out.