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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
stars902 ratings902 reviews
  1. 5 stars84% (758)
  2. 4 stars8% (74)
  3. 3 stars3% (27)
  4. 2 stars2% (17)
  5. 1 star3% (26)

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Showing 41-50 of 902 reviews
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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Dec 3, 2025
Joni
5 out of 5 stars review

Michelin Keeps It's Promises

Now experiencing a renewed feeling of being connected to the road due to the responsive Defender 2 design. Whether on hot Florida pavement or downpour drenched roadways, movement is nimble while braking is smooth and confident. And, quiet, a noticeable difference over even the replaced premium brand. Michelin research and development continues to miraculously improve over the original Defender. With proper maintenance tread life will hopefully be achieved as well. And was it mentioned that these tires are quiet!

Review from michelinman.com
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Dec 29, 2025
Lynn751
5 out of 5 stars review

Great Performance

I have purchased Defender tires for 20+ years and these Defender2 tires are outstanding for performance and the ride and control are excellent. Best tire in snow and they give you confidence because they hold the road so well. The only tire I will put on my cars.

Review from michelinman.com
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Oct 31, 2022
PeaceLove95
5 out of 5 stars review

Amazing Ride Comfort!

I bought these tires 2 weeks ago, took a bit for me to get used to these kinds of tires but I first needed to break them in 1st but once I placed 500 miles into them the driving experience became very different in a good way, compared to my previous tires which were Kumho's. I own a Hyundai Elantra 2019 and when I 1st bought it from the dealership which was a month ago, I noticed the suspension to be a bit stiff on bumpy roads but now with these Michelin Defenders 2 tires the ride comfort changed so much that I feel way more confident in my car over bumpy roads and highway driving. These tires keep my vehicle stable on the road and my vehicle suspension feels more stronger now. Your guy's tires made me love my car even more thank you for creating such an amazing tire I definitely will shop for Michelin tires in the future especially these Defenders #2.

Review from michelinman.com
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Oct 25, 2025
Victor M
1 out of 5 stars review

Maybe good but not for me

Made the mistake of purchasing these for my Lexus LS430. it feels like Im riding on sponges, I cannot feel the road and cornering is terrible, it feels like the car is sliding or swaying. I am going to call the tire shop to let them know i cant handle this and what can we do. hopefully if they dont do something michelin will.

Review from michelinman.com
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reply from Consumer Care MIC US

Victor, thank you for sharing your experience with the Defender 2 tires. We’re sorry to hear that the ride and handling haven’t met your expectations. We recommend visiting your tire shop to have the installation and alignment checked, as these can significantly impact how the tires perform. To further discuss, please give our Consumer Care team a call. You can reach us at 866-866-6605 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM EST, Sat 9 AM–1 PM EST).

Oct 2, 2025
aca2414
1 out of 5 stars review

Terrible wet weather tire

Worst tires I have ever owned. I drive a 2015 Honda Odyssey and the Defender 2 makes this car almost indriveable in wet weather. In the rain or on wet pavement from a stop sign there is tire slippage and if I am turning from a stop sign the tires slip to the point that the traction light turns on (I am being very gentle on the throttle). Merging from a turn causes the van to slide and momentarily lose traction. I have had the tires store where I bought these look at them on 2 occasions and nothing visibly wrong with the tire, and I have had repair shops check out the van, and it is fine. I am going into my 3rd winter with these tires and every wet season they have been terrible. Stay away from these tires, especially if you own a 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey.

Review from michelinman.com
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reply from Consumer Care MIC US

We’re sorry to hear about the traction issues you’ve encountered in wet conditions. Safety and performance are our top priorities, and your feedback is important to us.

Sep 10, 2022
Joseph
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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Dec 2, 2025
P2410
2 out of 5 stars review

Rides rough

Just bought these tires for my VW Atlas because they have been great on my wife's car, but have been disappointed with how they ride. I expected a smooth ride but you can feel every bump in the road throughout the car. At first thought the tires were not balanced, but went back to the shop and they checked to confirm the tires were balanced. I would by again for my wife's car but not my VW.

Review from michelinman.com
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reply from Consumer Care MIC US

We’re sorry to hear the ride hasn’t met your expectations on your VW Atlas. Keep in mind your tires comes with the Michelin Promise Plan. If you are dissatisfied with the tires, bring the original sales receipt to the place of purchase within 60 days for a new set of tires. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions. Our number is 866-866-6605 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM EST, Sat 9 AM–1 PM EST).

Dec 12, 2025
Bandit1
4 out of 5 stars review

Quiet but lacks performance

Very quiet tire but very poor grip and a weak sidewall. These are probably great for high milage fleet vehicles or rentals but not for any vehicle one might drive spiritedly. Do not drive these hard in the rain, you may die. I replaced a set of Yokohama's with these and to be honest, I got better performance from the worn out Yok's. Now I know these are not a performance grade tire by any means, but I did expect a little better from Michelin.

Review from michelinman.com
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Dec 18, 2025
BigFry
5 out of 5 stars review

The Best Tires

I installed a set of four on my 2006 Mercury Montego Premier and the handling, smooth ride and i have notice increased gas mileage. I been using Michelin's on my cars for over 35 years and will not put another brand tire of my cars. They have never failed and have given my excellent mileage wear, I usually have to change tires because they are to old and have become hard.

Review from michelinman.com
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