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Customer reviews for Michelin Defender2 - 215/65R16 98H Tire for
Michelin Defender2 - 215/65R16 98H Tire
4.7 out of 5 stars
stars
1,035 ratings1,030 reviews
  1. 5 stars85% (875)
  2. 4 stars8% (82)
  3. 3 stars3% (30)
  4. 2 stars2% (19)
  5. 1 star3% (29)
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Showing 321-330 of 1,030 reviews
May 15, 2025
Reviewer name: Old, older guy
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Now what?

I’ve used Michelin tires for many years and never had a problem. I have a vibration problem with my Kia (1007 Sportage) and every thing, and I mean everything, has been checked and the last resort was to put 4 new tires on. I put on the same tire that were on the car, Michelins of course. The current tires were near aging out even though they were only about half worn out. So new tires—but the same vibration. Now what do I do. The car has been gone over twice by two different tech, both fully certified and both are stumped. Now what. The tires are great though.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
Aug 22, 2025
Reviewer name: SAW2025
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

I want the Best for my Wife!

I replaced Goodyear tires on my wife’s Acura TLX with a set of Michelin Defender2’s. I also replaced the OE Firestone tires on my mother in law’s Jeep Compass with the Michelin Defender2 tires. My wife and Mother in law immediately told me that their vehicles ride way better, handles better, and it is more quiet in their vehicles. As for the design, I love the way Michele tires look on almost all vehicles. All I can say about the construction and materials is that the tires appear to be made well. I am 53 years old and have never had a Michelin tire let me down. So I trust Michelin enough to use their tires on my family’s vehicles. I bought my mother in law’s tires 7 months ago and my wife’s tires 8/12/2025

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
Jul 3, 2025
Reviewer name: Ron7530
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Exceptional tire!!! Defender 2

These tires have demonstrated exceptional handling capabilities. Road performance is superb, with unmatched wet and dry traction across various terrains. The tires appear to be durable, boasting an 80,000-mile rating. While the price point is slightly higher, the value proposition justifies the investment. This is undoubtedly a superior tire.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
Sep 21, 2023
Reviewer name: Roberto
3 out of 5 stars
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?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
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.

Jul 19, 2024
Reviewer name: willjax2
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Smooth ride, great handeling

I purchased a set of these to replace a set of General AltMAX RT 43's. Boy, what a world of difference. Much quieter, and smoother ride. Handeling was noticeably quicker response. These tires really hug the road. Have driven on multiple road surfaces and they grip well in all terrain.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
Oct 1, 2022
Reviewer name: Sticks49
4 out of 5 stars
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?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
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.

Jan 6, 2024
Reviewer name: Thenepkp
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Amazing quiet and comfortable ride with better handling than the original equipment

I am so happy to get four new Michelin Defender 2 tires for my 2018 Toyota Corolla LE. I was considering the Cross Climate 2 but I glad I got the Defenders instead. It rides better than new and the Michelin Primacy MXV4 that came with the car were amazing and lasted 75000 miles and were still legal. The steering response is better than ever and the ride and directional stability are improved and very quiet. I highly recommend these to Corolla owners, because they are a perfect match. They go and go and go just like the Toyota cars

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
Sep 22, 2025
Reviewer name: Michael
4 out of 5 stars
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?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
Oct 14, 2022
Reviewer name: Previous cvt owner 1234
5 out of 5 stars
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?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
Aug 21, 2025
Reviewer name: Doc423
1 out of 5 stars
1 out of 5 stars review

Horrible Roaring Road Noise!!

They ride and steer Great!! But they sound HORRIBLE...."roaring" road noise from 30-70 mph, droning sound so bad that you can't even hear yourself think. If you want to buy them back or swap them, would be happy to. Very disappointed with the Defender2's, have always had good luck with your Michelin brand until now.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
reply from Consumer Care MIC US

We're sorry that you are experiencing this issue. Please visit an authorized tire retailer for an inspection of the tires, and have the dealer contact us at 866-866-6605, 8am - 7pm EST (Mon-Fri) and 9am - 1pm EST (Sat).