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Customer reviews for Michelin Defender2 - 235/50R18 101V Tire for
Michelin Defender2 - 235/50R18 101V Tire
4.7 out of 5 stars
stars
1,023 ratings1,022 reviews
  1. 5 stars84% (863)
  2. 4 stars8% (82)
  3. 3 stars3% (30)
  4. 2 stars2% (19)
  5. 1 star3% (29)

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Showing 31-40 of 1,022 reviews
Feb 24, 2026
Reviewer name: James Gray
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Capability In Bad Weather

Michelin Primacy MXV4s were the tires replaced by these. The biggest difference between the two is that the Defender 2s are much better in rain, snow, and slush, which is the reason I got them. My biggest concern was that they would be louder on the highway and they are not. The MXV4 is a fine tire, but these make my car more capable in bad weather.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?7FYMAWW2AQ8X15258056650
Jan 26, 2024
Reviewer name: rpj
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

I always buy Michelin

I have been driving Defenders for many years and just put a new set of Defender 2 tires on my 2019 Subaru Impreza. The new tires are very quiet, with zero vibration at any speed. Steering seems more precise and the car tracks perfectly at highway speeds.Routine handling overall is not "sporty" but is very good. My Subaru is glued to the road. In the past few months, I have done 100+ mile drives under blizzard conditions (Route 95 is badly plowed in New England) and heavy rain/sleet, without a single scary moment. I was especially impressed with my car's handling in moderate snow. The Defender 2s are fun to drive and give me confidence that, with careful driving, I can stay safe even in the worst weather. I also expect them to last a very long time.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?7FYMAWW2AQ8X15258056650
May 1, 2026
Reviewer name: Unhappy
1 out of 5 stars
1 out of 5 stars review

Poor Reliability

I am very disappointed with the Michelin Defender 2. The 4 tires are rated for 80,000 miles. However, I am experiencing uneven wear (feathering) on al 4 tires at 12,000 miles. I have documentation to prove I have been aligning my tires at Firestone since the tires were purchased new. The shocks and struts are new on my vehicle. However, I am experiencing noisy tires, and the roads feel bumpy all the time.

Review from michelinman.com
Helpful?7FYMAWW2AQ8X15258056650
reply from Consumer Care MIC US

We are sorry to hear you are experiencing uneven wear with your Defender 2 tires. Our records indicate you have already been in contact with a member of our Consumer Care team. If you would like to discuss further, please call us at at 866-866-6605 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM EST, Sat 9 AM–1 PM EST) and reference your case number.

Sep 25, 2023
Reviewer name: Bill310
1 out of 5 stars
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.

Feb 7, 2026
Reviewer name: AnthemBassMan
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Excellent Tires.

I had to get new tires for my Wife's Elantra. The Cooper CS5 tires that I had put on the car 4/5 years ago had finally gone past the point of no return. The Michelin Defender 2's have been a great addition. So far the traction has been great considering the snow we've had lately. The road noise on dry pavement isn't too bad. I've had other tires a little quieter, but overall not bad. Time will tell how long they will last though. It will take a few years to get the mileage racked up.

Review from michelinman.com
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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
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May 10, 2026
Reviewer name: CC
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Awesome tire .

I have had Michelin on everything i have owned the last 35 years. They usually Crack on the sides before they ever wear out . They are awesome . They are so smooth it's like riding on a cloud . Just put a set on my Chevy Silverado . Simply the best highway tire available.

Review from michelinman.com
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Sep 10, 2022
Reviewer name: Joseph
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Excellent Tires with Great Performance and Quite 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 quite and comfortable ride! In addition, it's great to know that the New Defender tires will last for a very long time. I like the new tires very much and very happy with the choice I made.

Review from michelinman.com
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Aug 23, 2023
Reviewer name: Rav4 Prime
1 out of 5 stars
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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Sep 12, 2022
Reviewer name: Joseph
5 out of 5 stars
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?7FYMAWW2AQ8X15258056650