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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
1,053 ratings1,051 reviews
  1. 5 stars84% (889)
  2. 4 stars8% (84)
  3. 3 stars3% (31)
  4. 2 stars2% (20)
  5. 1 star3% (29)

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Showing 41-50 of 1,051 reviews
Jun 6, 2026
Reviewer name: Old guy
2 out of 5 stars
2 out of 5 stars review

Side wall cracking

Defender 2 on all 4 tires side walls are cracked badly. Never ran low on air. . 90% hwy miles bought in May of 2020 with 137,208 but on new at honeywood now 199,000km. Been a customer at honeywood 40 years the guys there said need to talk to Michelin

Review from michelinman.com
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May 28, 2026
Reviewer name: Tony G
1 out of 5 stars
1 out of 5 stars review

Loud, noisy and rough.

Hello, I purchased Defender 2 tires for my 2022 Pacifica Minivan. That was the last time I purchase these tires. From day one I noticed very rough and loud driving. These tires amplify every little imperfection on the road even though Michelin claims uncompromised comfort and a quiet drive. This is very uncomfortable and upsetting. Extremely disappointed with this purchase.

Review from michelinman.com
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reply from Consumer Care MIC US

Thank you for providing your feedback. Tire noise and ride comfort can be influenced by several factors, including vehicle type, road conditions and inflation pressure. We recommend having your tires inspected by an authorized dealer to ensure they are properly installed, balanced and inflated. For added peace of mind, your tires are backed by the Michelin Promise Plan, which includes a 60-day satisfaction guarantee from the date of purchase. If you would like additional assistance, our Consumer Care team is happy to help. You can reach us at 866-866-6605 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM EST, Sat 9 AM–1 PM EST).

May 27, 2026
Reviewer name: Court Reporter
1 out of 5 stars
1 out of 5 stars review

Disappointed

I came here and read reviews and was impressed because I wanted a quiet and smooth ride in my 2024 Nissan Rogue. These are both IMPORTANT issues because my career requires daily travel. I am so DISAPPOINTED. The ride is rough and Road noise is horrible. I'm returning to dealer tomorrow to see what can be done. Ive had them two weeks.

Review from michelinman.com
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reply from Consumer Care MIC US

We’re sorry to hear your Defender 2 tires haven’t met expectations, especially with ride and comfort. We understand how important that is for your daily driving. We recommend visiting your dealer so they can inspect the tires and ensure everything is properly balanced and suited for your vehicle. Since you’ve only had them for a short time, you may also be eligible under Michelin’s satisfaction guarantee (Promise Plan). If you’d like further support, our Consumer Care team is here to help. Our number is 866-866-6605 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM EST, Sat 9 AM–1 PM EST).

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 26, 2022
Reviewer name: jitterbug
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Wears slow, great traction, low noise

I bought these tires in May after my OE tires needed to be replaced and they have exceeded my expectations. They provide excellent traction when dry or wet and my vehicle is super quiet while on the road. It's likely that these tires will last at least twice as long as my OE tires. You won't regret this purchase.

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 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
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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.

Mar 12, 2026
Reviewer name: Tripp
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

The Best

I only buy Michelin tires from an authorized Michelin dealer. The Defender 2 and th Defender LTX are my goto tires. Smooth riding, quiet, traction, and durability are second to none in my book. Also, my local dealer has a lot to do with it as well. Good people, helpful, and I've been dealing with them for a long time.

Review from michelinman.com
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Jun 3, 2026
Reviewer name: Brian
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Quiet, high milage, and Michelin dependability!

Just replaced the tires (Dunlop) that came on my 2025 Toyota Camry with the Michelin Defender 2 tires. These are great tires with amazing traction. Very low road noise to the point that I was hearing my hybrid making sounds that were not noticeable before due to NOISY Dunlop tires. With high milage and the dependability of Michelin, I anticipate a good ride for the next 50K miles. Well done Michelin.

Review from michelinman.com
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May 5, 2026
Reviewer name: Horseman34
3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars review

TIRES ARE OK BUT HAVE ROAD NOISE

Bought 4 replacement tires for my 2017 Rav4, tires are just as noisy as my original OEM tires. Was hoping for quieter ride, but the same. Set pressure to 32 psi, but no difference. My winter Michelins are quieter, Defenders are a harder rubber with gives them longer life, but increase road noise.

Review from michelinman.com
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