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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
978 ratings973 reviews
  1. 5 stars84% (823)
  2. 4 stars8% (78)
  3. 3 stars3% (29)
  4. 2 stars2% (20)
  5. 1 star3% (28)
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Showing 371-380 of 973 reviews
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?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
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.

Sep 12, 2022
Joseph
5 out of 5 stars review

EXCELLENT TIRES WITH GREAT PERFORMANCE AND QUIET RIDE

After purchasing the Michelin Defender 2 tires for my Lexus ES350, I have decided to get a new set for my RX350 with 245/50R20. The New Defender 2 tires have great handling performance in dry and wet weather conditions, and it also provides very comfortable and quiet ride! In addition, it’s great to know that the New Defender tires will last for a very long time with 80,000 miles warranty. I like the new tires very much and happy with the choice I made.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
Jul 15, 2025
Dennis301
2 out of 5 stars review

Tires extremely loud

I purchased a set of Defender 2 tires for my Ford Flex 10/9/24. The vehicle is AWD and was aligned shortly thereafter. Since purchased these tires, primarily the rear 2, have been extremely loud. The Defenders I previously had on this vechicle never displayed this obnoxious behavior and I was very satisfied with them. Would not consider purchasing these tires again.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
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
Helpful?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
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.

Jun 21, 2024
B Bob
5 out of 5 stars review

A Totally Different Michelin Defender 2 Compared To Defender1

Defender 2's have a smooth ride quality that is very noticeable as compared to regular Defenders. Makes my 97 4Runner have a ride it hasn't had using the original Defender. Very pleased with the looks, ride quality, and performance of the tire. Seems the tread design does not make much noise. My only regret after having tires for eleven weeks! Apparently ran over a piece of 1/2" steel that got inserted into the tire tread. Selling dealer, even with a paid protection plan, plug patched tire with only 1345 miles instead of replacing it? Hope the tire is safe with this repair and doesn't start having issues with belts separating and roaring like a snow tire.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
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?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
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.

Dec 5, 2024
lgeronimo
5 out of 5 stars review

Love these tires!!!!

I have not had a new set of tires in quite some time, and I just bought a set for my Rav 4. Love the way they feel, the way they hug the road and feel so much safer. I don't recall ever purchasing Michelin brand before and wish I had for sure! Definitely can tell the difference. It will be the brand I pick and recommend from now on.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
Apr 29, 2025
MICH QUEEN
5 out of 5 stars review

I HAD MICHELIN DEFENDER 2 FOR NINE YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS SO I REPLACED THEM WITH THE SAME BRAND. I was pleased with the longevity and the ride. I live where there’s lots of snow, but it doesn’t stop me from driving. THE DEFENDER 2 tires plowed through without slipping or spinning I’m pleased with my purchase.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045
May 31, 2024
latte
5 out of 5 stars review

The Defender 2 drives like a dream

I researched tires for my 2018 Nissan Rogue and read good reviews for this tire. I was looking for quiet and a smooth ride. I just drove home from the tire store and am hugely impreased with the ride! I don't know about longevity yet but am looking forward to the future.

Review from michelinman.com
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Jul 30, 2025
BigRed
5 out of 5 stars review

Defender 2 - Hydro-Plane Defeaters

I had just bought a new set of Defender 2 tires and was on a ride to test them out. My previous tire was the OEM Michelin Primacy Tour A/S with approximately 48,000 miles on a 20 Chevy Blazer RS. The ride was very nice, firm but comfortable. I was, so far, impressed with the handling on a damp road and enjoying the new sneaks. As fate would have it, it began raining buckets and this I thought would separate the wheat from the chaff. I was driving in the granny lane, on a limited access highway at the posted speed limit of 65mph.when a brief but sudden loss of control event occurred called Hydro-Planning.. All of a sudden the car hit a fairly large gutter puddle that caused the vehicle to swerve dramatically. It was a frightening 2 or 3 seconds while feeling powerless other than going for the ride. Steering into the hydro-plane, and to my relief, the Defender 2s quickly took hold of the road and straightened me right out. Having put on about 30 miles on the new Defenders, they really showed me what they are capable of, and I am glad to have them. On this rainy day, the Defender 2s performed excellently.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?1AA88BH96CGJ13810614045