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Business Profile

Auto Rentals and Leasing

Budget Rent a Car

Headquarters

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Auto Rentals and Leasing.

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Budget Rent a Car's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

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Budget Rent a Car has 532 locations, listed below.

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    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 3,117 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 1,182 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

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    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/14/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Avis/Budget is trying to coerce excessive cleaning charges from me.We returned a rental van on 27th May at *******. There were no trash bins in the vicinity and a Budget employee at the rental car return place asked us to collect and leave all the trash in the back of the car. After 12 days, they send us a cleaning charge of 450$ citing the same trash picture (water bottles, napkins, some plastic covers)This is outrageous and 450$ for taking trash out from a returned rental car is unheard of.The agreement mentions 450$ for cleaning things like pet hair, smoke, stains etc. This is just disposable trash and charging us the highest mentioned amount is just a shady business practice.Also I'm not the only one who has faced this in the recent years Please see posts and even a blog article about this here ***********************************************************************************************************

      Business Response

      Date: 06/25/2025

      BBB #: 23468169
      Case: 73340479

      Dear Mr./Ms. Valoor, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# 23468169, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Our records show that our Customer Service Team has already stopped the cleaning fee on your rental. 

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

      Customer Answer

      Date: 06/25/2025

      [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]



      Better Business Bureau:



      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 23468169, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.




      Regards,



      Nipun Valoor

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/14/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I have been a regular and loyal Budget customer for several years, consistently renting a vehicle at least every other week, and I have never had an issue with any of my rentals until now. This unexpected charge is both surprising and concerning. I was charged $450.00 cleaning fee for my rental (Rental Number: U128339164, Rental Period: May 24, 2025 May 26, 2025, VCR #: *******). I contacted your customer service team multiple times in an effort to resolve this matter, but unfortunately, I was not able to reach a satisfactory resolution. During one of the calls, I was even told that if I did not accept a discount offer immediately, I would be required to pay the full amount right away. This felt more like a threat than assistance, and it was the first time Ive had such an unpleasant experience with your customer service.I also requested photo evidence of the alleged cleaning issue multiple times, but I have never received any documentation or proof supporting this charge. I believe this charge is unjustified, and I am more than willing to cooperate to resolve this matter fairly.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/25/2025

      BBB #: 23467983
      Case: 73324657

      Dear Mr./Ms. Chen, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# 23467983, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Based upon the information you provided and the findings of our internal investigation, we have refunded the cleaning fee billed on the rental.  A credit of $450.00 has been issued to the account on file.  Please be assured that your experience was not typical.  A copy of our report has been sent to the appropriate manager for corrective actions.  

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/10/2025

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Rented a car for 7 days (5/31-6/7). Booked through *********** Travel on 5/23. Was charged $474 for a small SUV. Got to this location, declined everything except to fill up the tank and tolls. Was told verbally twice I was declining the insurance but accepting the toll charge and to fill up the tank. Was asked to sign on a 3 inch screen. Get another charge of $423. Called and asked was I really charged $900 for a week rental? And they stated I accepted the insurance. I stated I didnt. They stated I signed it (on a 3 inch screen). This was a certain bait and switch. Will never use them again. Be careful and read the 3 inch screen.Rental agreement number *********

      Business Response

      Date: 06/26/2025

      BBB #: 23449449
      Case: 73275168

      Dear Mr./Ms. Racicot, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# 23449449, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Our records show that our Customer Service Team did offer to split the coverages on your rental which was declined. We are disappointed that you feel you were manipulated into signing for these items. Although we do not doubt your veracity, our decisions are based on the facts at hand. The rental agreement was signed and the additional services were provided by Budget. In the event of an accident, damage to the rental car, third party property, etc., your financial responsibility would have been greatly reduced if not voided completely. Because of this we are unable to remove the full cost of these options. 

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/10/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      The ********************* presented insurance as if it was mandatory. She asked me the question by saying "Are we getting insurance #1 or insurance #2?" This was presented in a way with no options. Looking at my bill, the bill itself states that it was an optional add to the rental vehicle. She maliciously asked me a question without a way out and charged me over $150.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/26/2025

      BBB #: 23447729
      Case: 73274310

      Dear Mr./Ms. Lee, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# 23447729, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Our records show that this was already resolved and a refund of $186.10 was issued. 

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/09/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      We had issues with service lights on dash and windshield wipers needing to be replaced so badly when it rained we couldnt see the road because they couldnt clean the window. Upon check in of vehicle we informed the service person checking in cars of the issues. He said please at your convenience, call the customer service number so they can reimburse you for the issue. We returned the car before our flight and before customer service was open. I called the next day (***** hours later) to which I was informed I needed to wait 24 hours after returning vehicle (I did) before they could issue me a refund but they would refund me 1 day of rental for the inconveniences and marked on my account and gave me case number ********. When I called back another day later as instructed they said they were issuing me a refund for 1 day rental. I asked how much the refund was for so I could watch for it. She responded I dont know. I asked if its just put back on my card and she said no we will send you an email link, click on that. Ive never heard of something like this but did as instructed. The refund email was a COUPON for a day of rental. I already informed them I will never use Budget rental again and I was promised a refund. I call back now the 3rd day in a row, ask for a manager and he says since the coupon was already issued we cant issue a refund. Then when I tell him thats unacceptable because I was told I would have a refund he said we cant refund they shouldnt have said that. So I now have 3 employees promising me reimbursement and this employee telling me they dont do that. I want my refund that I was promised and I want an apology for the incompetence of their employees. Id assume they record all lines so they can go listen to their 2 customer service agents tell me I was getting a refund. It would also help if they didnt outsource and their employees spoke English because they clearly dont know what a refund is. The WORST customer service!!

      Business Response

      Date: 06/26/2025

      BBB #: 23359094
      Case: 72713228

      Dear Mr./Ms. Pettibon, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# 23359094, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Based upon the information you provided and the findings of our internal investigation, a day off your rental.  A credit of $100.99 has been issued to the account on file.  Please be assured that your experience was not typical.  A copy of our report has been sent to the appropriate manager for corrective actions.  

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/08/2025

      Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      On June 7 I entered a rental reservation for a large suv listed as suburban or similar. Upon arrival, no vehicles were available. The had nothing to offer and cancelled my reservation I had only made last night. This is fraudulent misrepresentation of their product and they should be not allowed to do this practice.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/25/2025

      BBB #: 23440339
      Case: 73278230

      Dear Mr./Ms. Kimble, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# 23440339, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Our records show that you have filed an Attorney General complaint and your concerns have been addressed through that channel. 

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/06/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I rented a car on June 25th, 2025-June 4th 2025. We spoke to a live representative who we told we had to leave the car because of my work schedule and no one to return it, We were told to leave the key in the car. I returned the vehicle the morning of June 4th at 4:45 a.m. with the key and the car was never checked in by the representative. They have the car all day and did not call to inquire about the key until closing after 6pm. I went to the location to give the young lady the key she said we are closed and sat in her car , then drove off. She told me on the call that she was reaching out to her manager to see what to do. She never called back or spoke when we went to the lot ton return the key. She ;later explained it was considered abandonment because we didn't hand the key to anyone. which had someone told me I would not have just left the vehicle on the lot. The car has been sitting there with the key inside of it since June ******. I went on 6/5/2025 gave the key back and left. I called this morning to find out that the rental still has not been checked in. I was billed an extra ****** and they did not return my ****** deposit. I have been charged ******** since and going since it had not been checked out. Had i gotten ahold of someone at the location the morning of. i could have avoided this issue. But there is no phone at this location.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/25/2025

      BBB #: 23433851
      Case: 73111944

      Dear Mr./Ms. Richardson, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# 23433851, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Our records show that the rental has been closed effective the date the keys were provided to the rental counter and that you have only been charged $720.34 and not $1003.00. 

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/05/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Heres a summary of what happened:I picked up the rental car on Tuesday, March 25. ******* Thursday, the check engine light came on. I called customer service on Friday to report the issue. At that point I felt the car was unsafe to drive but Budget refused to pick it up. On Saturday, the car began leaking gasoline. I had never filled the tank myselfit was about 95% full when I last drove it so this was clearly a mechanical issue.Budget arranged for the faulty vehicle to be picked up, which it was on Saturday.I was told by customer service that a replacement vehicle would be ready for me when I arrived at the rental office. This was not the case.Despite prior arrangements, the staff at the location had no information about my situation. I had to wait over an hour while a manager re-entered my details and then left the office for a period of time. When he returned, he had trouble finding me a ****** a disabled person traveling to care for my elderly parents in ********, this delay and disorganization caused me significant physical pain and emotional stress. I relied on this vehicle to meet important family obligations, and the failure of Budget to provide a safe carand then to follow through on resolving the issuewas not only inconvenient, it was unacceptable.Given the safety risk posed by the original vehicle, the lengthy and painful wait for a replacement, and the overall poor handling by your staff, I believe a full refund is not only justified but necessary. I trusted Budget to provide a reliable vehicle and professional service, and unfortunately, you fell short on both accounts.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/05/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      rented car 11/17/2024 at ************** returned 11/20/2024 to ********* Sq. Mall estimated total charges $229.62 Billed $730.33 ($450 +)Upon returning the car,the mall was closed. I called the number posted on the window. In a few minutes a person was spotted riding a Segway thru the mall. When she came thru the door, the conversation consisted of her saying "keys". She was wearing some Budget logo so I gave her the keys. As she took off,I yelled for a receipt. She replied without looking back "it will be e mailed" and continued into the parking ****** wife and I thought it strange that the car was not inspected in front of us especially since it was parked about 50 feet away.I am 75 and have rented many cars in my lifetime,many from Budget.Always upon returning a vehicle an associate would inspect for dents,dirt,interior damage and for items left behind.I don't know what happened to this vehicle between the time of surrendering the keys and getting the e mail ********** the least,I feel this is a deceptive business practice by the Budget location at the ************. Mall.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/25/2025

      BBB #: 23431203
      Case: 69367984

      Dear Mr./Ms. Dobrowsky, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# 23431203, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Our records show that you have already contacted our Customer Service Team and a refund of $450.00 was issued to the Visa card ending in 8039 on  June 14th, 2025.

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/03/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      On April 14, I rented a van from Budget. At the time of rental, we declined additional liability coverage, as our personal insurance would cover. I signed a paper declining the liability. When we returned the van on April 28, the person at the counter did not do their job properly, and charged us for liability despite the signed document. They were unable to remove the charge at the time, as they were "locked" out of the system. They had us call corporate to get this settled. When I called corporate, they refused to refund the sales tax charged on the liability amount. Saying that refunding the incorrectly charged liability was a "courtesy" and that because sales tax was "with the government," there's nothing they can do. Budget scammed us by overcharging and refusing to refund what is rightfully owed.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/13/2025

      BBB #: ********
      Case: 72576318

      Dear ******* C, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# ********, thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns.

      Budget values the relationship that we have with our travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.

      Once this complaint was received, we tried to conduct an investigation. Unfortunately, there was not enough information provided, and your rental was unable to be located if you would kindly provide us the following information below, so we can investigate this matter further.

      Reservation Number;
      Renter's Name;
      Rental Location;
      Exact Date/Year of Rental;

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    Budget Rent a Car is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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