Skip to Main Content
Sam's Club
Sam's Club
Customer reviews for Michelin Defender2 - 225/55R17 101H Tire for
Michelin Defender2 - 225/55R17 101H Tire
4.7 out of 5 stars
stars948 ratings938 reviews
  1. 5 stars84% (796)
  2. 4 stars8% (77)
  3. 3 stars3% (28)
  4. 2 stars2% (19)
  5. 1 star3% (28)
Sort by |
Showing 371-380 of 938 reviews
Apr 12, 2024
ex-Vauxhall
5 out of 5 stars review

Long trouble-free life

The best thing to say about Michelin tires is--there is nothing to say. No problems, no tracking issues. Last a long time on my Cavalier, Pontiac G5, and Cruze. I have been buying them since a set lasted 115,000 miles on a Rambler American, but have never achieved that lifespan since. However, they outlast Goodyears, Firestones and Pirellis on my other cars.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?0U3JU02CNGKM13736356407
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?0U3JU02CNGKM13736356407
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.

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?0U3JU02CNGKM13736356407
Mar 9, 2025
KP FSU 77
5 out of 5 stars review

Re-shoe for worn out soles

Great Tire so far. Our 2023 GMC Acadia SLT factory Primacy Tour A/S tires were good but were getting low on tread depth at 40,000 miles. With all the home reconstruction going on in Treasure Island, FL, due to last year's double whammy of a 3' of tidal surge and then Hurricane winds two weeks later, the "balding " tires were getting prone to debris/construction material nails, shards, etc.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?0U3JU02CNGKM13736356407
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?0U3JU02CNGKM13736356407
Nov 27, 2024
Up North
3 out of 5 stars review

Traction B???

I bought a set of four of the Defender 2 model earlier this month expecting them to be an improved version of my previous Michelin Defender tires. What I didn’t know until I got home and had a chance to look them over more closely was that the traction rating is “B,” unlike the previous model of tires which were rated “A” for traction. What a disappointment! Why would you have this mediocre traction design to the Defender 2, Michelin? My only other Michelin option for the size I need was the snow tire model, but I wanted year round, all season tires and that left the Defender 2 as the remaining choice. While it’s great to buy tires made in the USA, this traction B rating seems rather bush league coming from such a renowned manufacturer.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?0U3JU02CNGKM13736356407
reply from Consumer Care MIC US

Up North, 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.

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?0U3JU02CNGKM13736356407
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.

Jun 13, 2024
Janice76
5 out of 5 stars review

Excellent tire

This is my second set of the Michelin Defender. 2 tires. My last purchase was in 2019. Although the tire has signs of wearing and some cracking, the tread on tires held up for five years. I was very pleased so I purchased another set for the same car.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?0U3JU02CNGKM13736356407
Mar 10, 2025
Michael D
1 out of 5 stars review

Defender 2's are LOUD, LOUD tires

I wish I could give a "0" to the defender 2. I just purchased them last week and they are LOUD. Very, Very LOUD. They are so bad my wife does not want to drive in the Santa Fe with me. If you are smart, please stay away from the Defender 2. Thank you.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?0U3JU02CNGKM13736356407
reply from Consumer Care MIC US

Michael D, we're sorry to read of your dissatisfaction in the Defender2 tires. We recommend to return to the selling retailer and make them aware. Give us a call if you have further questions. We can be reached at 866-866-6605 8am-5pm EST Mon-Fri.

Aug 26, 2024
KJM
3 out of 5 stars review

Defender 2 tires

I purchased Defender 2 tires in April 2024 and had my Michelin X-Ice removed from vehicle for the summer months. When I picked up my vehicle from the garage I immediately noticed the ride with my New Defender tires was not as smooth and I had more road noise than with the X-Ice tires. I was surprised by this as I expected the opposite . Aside from the above observations I will say the Defender tires are very responsive to handling & braking

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?0U3JU02CNGKM13736356407