Budget Rent a Car Customer Service Issues

I was unfairly charged a refueling fee by Budget rental car recently, despite filling the tank before returning the vehicle. As a retired wife of a Delta/NWA employee, I rely on affordable options like Budget to travel. On this occasion, I had to rent a car to get from Sacramento to Fresno to visit my new great grandson at the naval base. Despite following instructions to refuel, I was charged approximately $75 for a full tank, which is inaccurate. I tried to address this directly at the Fresno location, but only found a customer service complaint number. I respectfully request that Budget removes this charge, as it is unwarranted. I hope to resolve this issue promptly in order to maintain a positive relationship with Budget/Avis for future car rentals. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

I rented a car from Budget through Priceline for a one-day rental priced at $[redacted].09. However, upon returning the car the same day, I was surprised to see a charge of $[redacted].52 on my receipt. Upon inquiring, I was directed back and forth between Priceline and Budget. Priceline stated they couldn't assist me further, leaving me to resolve the issue with Budget on my own. It appears I was charged the daily rate plus extra for time and mileage. Had I known this, I would have kept the car longer to avoid the additional fee. I faced long wait times on the phone with Budget, lacking information on hold times or a call-back option. I would appreciate any guidance on this matter. Thank you.

Hello, my name is Natalie. I rented a car from your company on the 22nd of December for a week. Right from the beginning, I was disappointed with the vehicle. It was dirty when I first entered it, and before reaching my destination, it started making a ticking noise. When I called for assistance, the staff was quite rude. I decided to drive back to Oklahoma, but on the way, the windows fogged up, and the defroster was not working correctly, making it difficult for me to drive safely in the rain at night. I have been renting cars from your company for many years and never faced such issues before. This experience was unacceptable, and I am not satisfied. I hope you can address this matter. Thank you.

Upon returning the car, I was charged for a full tank of gas. The check-in person claimed it was only half full, but upon starting the car, it was actually over the 'F' mark. Additionally, I was charged an extra day even though I returned it 4 hours earlier as instructed. I was also charged $40 more than the contract amount. I attached the receipt for reference. The first service center I went to was closed, so I had to go to the other end of the airport for customer service. The line was long, and it took another hour. Interestingly, the first thing the customer service representative asked was about the gas charge, which seems like a scam at the airport when they know people are in a hurry. I am still waiting for a resolution. - Frank B.

I rented a moving truck from Budget that was not legal to operate in California. Due to this, I was detained and arrested. The truck had my belongings from the move, but Budget has not informed me of its location after repossessing it from the tow yard. They also did not notify me about the repossession. Budget is now demanding payment for the time the vehicle was detained. They are refusing to grant me access to my personal items and have been unresponsive even after multiple attempts to contact them. I have been on hold for hours trying to locate my belongings and confirm if Budget indeed repossessed the vehicle and where it is located. This situation is incredibly frustrating and stressful.

I rented a vehicle from Budget for three weeks at $[redacted] a week with their insurance. When the car wouldn't start, I contacted roadside assistance. Budget was hard to reach but eventually helped with towing. After a week, they called to retrieve the car, but it was already at their maintenance location. Customer service confirmed all payments, yet $2,[redacted].76 was deducted from my account, totaling $[redacted] a week. I appreciate Budget's service but cannot afford this during the pandemic. I seek a refund to continue our business relationship without financial strain.

Hello, I'm Katherine Dority. I've reached out after struggling to resolve an issue with your company's 1-[redacted] number multiple times. On June 10th at 4:26 pm, I urgently booked a rental car online for a family emergency. I was charged a $[redacted].29 deposit on my debit card. Despite rushing to the rental location in Florence, 30 miles away, near closing time, I was informed they required a major credit card or $[redacted] cash, which I then obtained and paid. Initially, the clerk said my deposit would be refunded, but later abruptly cancelled my reservation, retaining my deposit without explanation. The clerks' behavior was extremely unpleasant, leaving me stranded and out of pocket. I've been trying to resolve this since June 10th and would appreciate any assistance in getting my deposit back. Thank you.

My car has not been returned to Macon GA airport due to the vehicle I was provided making me and my family sick. There was a hazardous smell or substance inside the car, and I need to inform the claims department about this issue. I have already submitted an incident report. It's unacceptable and unsafe that my husband, daughters, and I were exposed to this. During my trip to Daytona, FL, I had to struggle to find alternative transportation multiple times a day. Eventually, I had to get another car in Jacksonville, FL, on my way back. Moreover, the previous car locked with all our belongings inside, and the rental company couldn't find the keys. I had to contact OnStar for assistance. I've tried reaching out to customer service and the rental offices numerous times, feeling misled and concerned for our safety. I insist that this matter be dealt with seriously. I want Macon GA Regional Airport to cease charging my card, refund all fees today, and stop sending me letters. The car I received was not the Chevrolet Tahoe I reserved, and I demand to know why all these issues occurred. My reservation number is [redacted]7-US-0. Ashley.

Dear Corporate, I have been struggling to reach a responsible person to assist with my case. Notes should be added to our file to explain the escalation of this issue. Despite threats of small claims court or legal help, I hope a corporate representative can step in. Budget Customer Service promised a refund which has not been issued yet. I am sharing an email received from Budget on 10/17/[redacted] regarding this matter. Case: [redacted]0, Reservation: [redacted]8US1, Rental Agreement: U[redacted]62. The email mentions a $[redacted].85 refund and an apology for overcharging. However, no refund has been received, causing financial strain. Numerous attempts to resolve this have failed, even after speaking to five supervisors. Can corporate intervene and provide a solution? It's been a frustrating experience trying to resolve this. Thank you, Robin Lee

I made a reservation with Budget on Sunday, March 21st, prepaying $[redacted] from my debit card. Upon arrival at Budget rental center at [redacted] W. Bancroft St. in Ottawa Hills, Ohio, the manager mistakenly charged an additional $[redacted] to my card for someone else's rental deposit. The manager assured me the $[redacted] would be refunded upon returning the car on March 29th. However, upon return, I only received a $[redacted] deposit refund, not the remaining $[redacted]. I have proof on my bank statement showing both charges. I believe the manager failed to report the error, leading to the refund discrepancy. I can provide copies of my bank statement and reservation showing the initial prepayment. I urgently need assistance in resolving this issue promptly.

I rented a car from Sacramento California airport. I was charged double for the car. The vehicle smelled strongly of tobacco, causing distress to my wife who has asthma. Additionally, the cruise control was malfunctioning, posing a safety hazard during our trip to Yosemite. The car had to be retrieved from Sonora California due to safety concerns. I seek a full refund and a written apology promptly. It is important to address these issues promptly as your company is currently under investigation.

I am a travel agent who booked a rental for my grandmother to see her grandchild graduate college. I initially reserved the booking under her son's name, who was traveling with her, with the understanding that it could be changed to her name at the airport. When they arrived for their 2-day rental, there was an issue. The confirmation was not available, and they were forced to book another car, which ended up being overcharged at $[redacted] instead of the original $[redacted].79. I need help resolving this issue. The confirmation number is [redacted]. During their experience with the second vehicle, my grandmother discovered feces in the car, causing her to become ill. I have photographic evidence of the incident. I believe a full refund for the trip is warranted. If necessary, please contact me at [redacted]. Thank you, Tanishia Jordan.

I made an online booking for a rental car from May 13-17, [redacted], travelling from Ohio to Tampa, Florida. The rental fee was deducted from my account promptly. Upon arrival in Tampa, I was unable to rent the car due to an issue possibly related to my credit. I had to make alternative arrangements. Despite contacting customer service about a refund, I was informed there was an issue since the rental was considered canceled post my scheduled pickup time. I strongly disagree with this decision. I expect a full refund for the rental. My reservation number is [redacted]8US1, booked with Budget.

I have rented cars and moving trucks from Budget on several occasions without issue, except this time. My recent rental experience was the worst ever. Firstly, the chip reader couldn't read my card, so I had to use my business credit card despite my attempts to re-enter it differently. Secondly, I was told the charge wouldn't appear on my business card statement. Thirdly, the car I received had a dent and a strong smell of marijuana and cigarettes. Despite complaining, I had to take the car due to time constraints. After being assured that the issue would be resolved, I was only offered a longer car rental. To my disappointment, the final bill charged to my business card was higher than expected at $[redacted].77, using the card details I provided at the Wilmington Train Station. I seek a refund to my business card, the correct charge on my personal credit card, and a free upgrade or future rental voucher. I appreciate prompt resolution of this matter.

I have made several calls over the past few weeks, waiting for over 45 minutes each time, trying to address an error with my car rental. The chip reader was not working, so I had to use a business card, which I was assured would not be charged. However, the charge went through, and despite my attempts to switch it to my personal credit card, it was not done. The car I received had a Dent and a strong smell of cannabis, which I reported immediately but was told there were no other cars available. The smell persisted throughout the rental. I am requesting that the charges be transferred to my personal credit card for reimbursement, a partial refund for the rental, and a future rental coupon as compensation. I hope to have this matter resolved promptly. Thank you.

I recently flew from San Diego to Baltimore (Thurgood Marshall) with a car rental reservation for a pick up in Gettysburg. Despite the late arrival at 11:00 PM, Budget and other car rental agencies were closed, leaving us stranded. Budget's board did not have our name listed. After a three-hour ordeal, another agency eventually helped us out. The unexpected rental cost us $1,[redacted].66. This experience was terribly inconvenient, and I am left baffled by the entire situation.

My son had a reservation at Oakland Airport, but encountered issues when trying to pick up the car using his debit card. Despite multiple attempts, the Budget card reader kept canceling the transaction, causing him to be unable to get the car. Due to a family emergency, he needed the vehicle to take his brother to the hospital, but had to resort to an Uber to get to his VRBO in Richmond near Berkeley. We are hoping Budget in Berkeley can help resolve this problem promptly as he still needs the car for tomorrow morning. Suggestions like having Budget deliver the car would be greatly appreciated given the urgency of the situation. Indran F. is my son, and his confirmation number is [redacted]. We are puzzled by the transaction failure and urgently seek a resolution from Budget.

Hello, I noticed a discrepancy in my recent car rental transaction. Initially, the online reservation indicated a total cost of $[redacted].41, and I made a prepayment of $[redacted].02 based on this amount for a smaller car. However, upon completion of the rental, my card was charged $[redacted].00, resulting in a total of $[redacted].02 for an SUV, which was not my intended choice due to the price difference. Furthermore, I encountered an unexpected requirement to have the car detailed before its return, despite never facing such a request in previous rentals. The additional fee of $[redacted] threatened for not complying with the detailing, specifically the smoking fee, is confusing as I do not smoke and the vehicle was clean. This experience with the budget store was frustrating, considering my history of frequent car rentals with them. I kindly request a refund for the excess charges associated with the car upgrade and detailing expenses incurred. Warm regards, Natalie

I am concerned about a recent experience with a car rental at the Avis/Budget office in Charlotte, NC. After booking and paying for a car, I arrived and was informed that the reserved car was not available, with no suitable alternatives provided without added costs. Despite having made a reservation and paid in advance, I was faced with pushy up-selling tactics. I strongly believe that the originally agreed upon price should be respected and honored without any unexpected additional charges.

I'm having trouble renting a car online with Budget. In the past, I rented from them frequently, but lately, I've encountered issues. Initially, there were problems with my driver's license, even though it was correct. After that, they mentioned an issue with my credit card, so I provided a new one, but the problems persisted. In August [redacted], I rented a truck from Avis and was in a rear-end collision. My ability to rent from Budget was affected until the insurance claim was resolved, which has now been taken care of. When seeking assistance, I often connect with service agents from overseas, which leads to poor connections or difficulties in understanding each other clearly. I'm feeling very frustrated and need to rent a car. I would appreciate any help in resolving these issues as I prefer renting from Budget.