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Customer reviews for Michelin Defender2 - 235/55R18 100H Tire for
Michelin Defender2 - 235/55R18 100H Tire
4.7 out of 5 stars
stars924 ratings919 reviews
  1. 5 stars84% (776)
  2. 4 stars8% (77)
  3. 3 stars3% (28)
  4. 2 stars2% (17)
  5. 1 star3% (26)

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Showing 41-50 of 919 reviews
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?7ELN939IDMP313738470858
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).

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
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Jan 24, 2026
Bib boy
5 out of 5 stars review

You can't buy a better tire.

Having sold Michelin tires for about 30 years I know these tires perform better than any other tires. Better stopping, starting and fuel efficiency are the hallmarks of Michelin products. They improve the ride quality and overall performance of my car.

Review from michelinman.com
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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?7ELN939IDMP313738470858
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.

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
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Mar 29, 2024
Fox
2 out of 5 stars review

Not What I expected

These are not like the Defender LTX. Disappointed in the ride and look. The side walls look like something you would put on a SUV or Truck that would be trail riding. The side wall is not a smooth design like the LTX. The Defender 2 seem like they are pushing my crossover. In fact I looked at the tire wondering was it one directional. It is not. I would not recommend for small Crossovers. Note: I have Defender LTX on our 4 Runner and FJ Cruiser. The Defender LTX is a 5 Star. The Defender 2 definitely not a 5 Star.

Review from michelinman.com
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reply from Michelin US

Fox, we're sorry to read of your disappointment in the Defender2. Remember, as part of the Michelin Promise Plan, there is a 60 day satisfaction guarantee of this tire. Simply return to the selling retailer for the tires to be swapped out. Give us a call at 866-866-6605 with any questions.

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
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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
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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.

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
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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.

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?7ELN939IDMP313738470858