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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:06/05/2025

      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

    • 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 Jan 20th 2025 we went to Budget Phoenix Az to pick up rental car we reserved thru ****** for $542.33 we got to ****************** Budget car rental we were told there were no intermediate SUVs avail which is what we reserved booking # thru ****** C455374793 he said for $49 more he will upgrade us otherwise will be 90-minute wait we said ok we got to the Jeep Cherokee and went about 2 miles down the road it was a death trap going all over the road could not keep it straight, went back with 20 mins and returned it they then tries to give us a brand new full size ***** Silverado we did not want something that big so went back to counter then they gave us an intermediate car we originally reserved they had at least 20 of them. Filled the car with gas and returned on time when dropping off there is no one around to check car all the people were confused also left car in the drop offline when we got the **** bill the charged us $1039.53 just want credit for the diffrence seemes like a big scam

      Business Response

      Date: 05/13/2025

      Tuesday, May 13, 2025


      BBB Case: 23310217
      Budget Case: 72371641
      Rental: 127457562


      Dear ****** *****,


      We appreciate you bringing this billing discrepancy to our attention. We understand the importance of resolving billing issues promptly, and we apologize for any inconvenience this matter has caused you. 


      Based on the finding of our internal investigation, the overcharge billed to your rental. A credit of $464.81 will post to the **** card ending in 0328 within 3-5 business days. 


      Thank you for your cooperation in advance and we hope to hear from you shortly. 


      Sincerely,


      ABG Client Relations
      Escalation Team
      Avis Budget Group, Inc. 

    • 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.
      I picked up a car at around 4:30 yesterday from the ************ ** location. I drove the car home approximately 40 miles. The next morning I drove to work less than 2 miles from my house. Noticed the car was struggling to accelerate. Turned off and restarted the vehicle and the problem seemed resolved. I went on my lunch break at 12:00 pm and drove home without issue. Upon driving back the car would not accelerate above around 20mph and the pedal was pressed to the floor. When it started to accelerate, again, under 30mph the rpms were way too high and it sounded like the engine was about to blow. I nearly didnt make it the 2 miles back to work. After work I called budget for a resolution and was told I could swap at any location. I get to the closest location and am told we have cars but not the same size so I cant give you a bigger car call roadside assistance. The lady proceeds to tell me she cannot find a location anywhere with a vehicle the same size. My problem is due to the circumstances why would they not just give me a larger vehicle as a courtesy to them renting me a dangerous car with mechanical problems? I rent with them on a weekly basis. This experience is unacceptable. Im still waiting on hold while she checks for availability for a car in the same class and they expect me to ride to said location in the tow truck to exchange the vehicle. I have now wasted half a day on a car I cannot drive and customer service continues to tell me Im sorry theres nothing we can do unacceptable. I am losing an entire day of driving the vehicle due to their mistake of not checking car maintenance issues. ***** ***** Fastbreak #V0V72U Rental agreement #********* Pick up date 5/8 Return date 5/12

      Business Response

      Date: 05/13/2025

      BBB# ********

      Budget case # 72485971

      Your file referenced above to the BBB has been forwarded to our office for review and reply.

      We  have reviewed your rental and notes from your case.  By way of explanation ABG takes pride in providing our clients with a well maintained vehicle.  We apologize that the vehicle to which you were assigned did not meet this standard.  We regret that you were placed in a position to arrange an exchange.  Please be assured that your experience was not typical.  A copy of our report has been sent to the appropriate manager for corrective actions.  Due to the inconvenience we will be discounting your rental.  This adjustment will be processed when the final audit of the contract has been completed.  We will e-mail you a copy of the amended receipt under separate cover when this has been completed.  We hope that our actions will meet with your approval and you would consider using our service in the future. 

      Thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concern. 

      Sincerely,

      Budget Response Coordinator 

    • 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.
      I am writing regarding the billing notice dated April 17, 2025, related to Rental Number U128793921 and VCR Number VCR9340798.Upon picking up the vehicle at ********************************** on March 31, 2025, I observed that the windshield already had a chip, the rims were scratched, and the passenger-side sun visor mirror was broken. These issues were present prior to my rental. At the time of drop-off, I also verbally informed the Budget staff on site about these pre-existing damages. The return agent acknowledged the pre-existing condition and documented it accordingly.I firmly dispute responsibility for any of the damages listed in your invoice, specifically the windshield damage, glass calibration fees, and administrative fees totaling $794.84. The damages were neither caused by myself nor by anyone during my rental period.I respectfully request that the charges be waived and that no further action be taken against my credit/debit card on file. Additionally, I would appreciate a copy of the check-out and check-in inspection reports, along with any supporting documentation your company has regarding the condition of the vehicle before and after my rental.Please confirm receipt of this letter and advise regarding the next steps.Also, I have reached out to the customer service email as on my letter in the mail 10 days ago and nobody has gotten back to me.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/12/2025

      BBB #: ********
      Case: 72537689

      Dear ******* *********, 

      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.

      Our records show that the counter has provided pictures to support the damage and we were not able to locate any reports that the damage was pre-existing. If you have any documentation to support the damage was pre-existing please provide it for our review, otherwise the charge would be upheld. 

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/03/2025

      Type:Product 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.
      Complaint Summary:Promised refund for unavailable reserved vehicle not received.Complaint Details:On April 25, I arrived at the Budget Car Rental location at **************************** (DEN) to pick up a reserved Jeep Wrangler with 4WD. Upon arrival, I was informed that the Jeep was unavailable. I was initially given a ****** 4Runner as a substitute.Shortly after receiving the 4Runner, I noticed it required immediate maintenance, specifically an overdue oil change indicated on the vehicle's system. I returned the 4Runner to the rental counter and was then provided with a ****** RAV4. This was a lower-tier vehicle and did not include 4WD, which had been a key part of my original reservation.The location manager, *****, acknowledged the inconvenience and assured me I would receive a refund for the first day of the rental. She estimated that the amount refunded would be approximately $50 and stated it would be processed within 48 hours.I returned the vehicle on Sunday, April 27, around 2:00 PM and spoke with ***** again to follow up. She once again reassured me that the refund would appear shortly. As of today, nearly two weeks later, I have not received the refund or any confirmation that it is being processed.I have made a good faith effort to resolve this matter directly with Budget but have not received a response. I am now seeking BBB assistance to obtain the refund that was promised to me.Desired Resolution:A refund of approximately $50 for the first day of the rental, as explicitly promised by the location manager.Rental Agreement #: *********

      Business Response

      Date: 05/12/2025

      BBB #: ********
      Case: 72199575

      Dear ******* ******, 

      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.

      Our records show that what was offered an accepted was a $50.00 coupon for a future rental it was not a credit. The coupon was sent to your email address on April 28th, 2025. If you are need seeing the coupon please check your SPAM or junk folder, the coupon number is MUVZ310. 

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

      Customer Answer

      Date: 05/14/2025

      The manager who said I would be receiving a refund was *****. She told me this when I picked up the vehicle on April 25th and again when I returned the vehicle on April 27th. 

      Customer Answer

      Date: 06/18/2025

      I was finally able to reach Budget car rental on social media and they issued a refund for the $50. It was an absolutely terrible experience and I have learned not to rent vehicles from them going forward. Thank you for attempting to reach out. 

      Better Business Bureau:

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

      Regards,

      Sierra ******

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/03/2025

      Type:Order 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 contacted Budget several times regarding a wrongful charge, but they continue to send me a receipt of the wrongful charge. They will not communicate back with me about their staff checking my car in later than when I dropped it off, causing me an additional charge.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/09/2025

      BBB #: ********
      Case: 72315642

      Dear ******** ******,

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

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

      Our records show that customer service has refunded you in the amount of $12.14 on May 6, 2025.  Please allow up to 10 days for processing.

      Although we realize that we cannot make up for a disappointing experience such as this, we do appreciate your contacting us. Only by being made aware of a problem can we correct it and offer the high quality of service that our customers expect and deserve.

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you.

       

      Sincerely, 

       

      Avis Budget Group
      Customer Advocacy Response Coordinator

       

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/03/2025

      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.
      My husband and I picked up our car rental on May 12 from the ************. The next we started a drive to Hilo. My husband was driving and noticed everytime he would brake going downhill the car started to shake and he had to tap the brakes. They were also making a grinding noise. I called Budget customer service and told them we needed to replace our car. They said since we were on the other side of the island we could switch it out. We got to the airport and got a new car. The person working didn't even take an incident report or even apologize that our car wasn't in working functionality and should not have been rented to us. The new car we received also had issues. 2 dashboard lights came on the next day, one for low washer fluid and one for low key battery. Since these did not effect the functionally of the car, we did not return it and kept it for the remainder of our trip. once home, I brought this to the companies attention via email there was terrible customer service where they claimed over and over they couldn't find my reservation even though I sent the info no less than 5 times. I demanded a refund. I ended up emailing with several different people as it seems their customer service is very disorganized. I was told 3 different out comes. 1) I was offered 2 days free rental 2) I was offered a 50% refund plus 2 days free rental 3) I was offered nothing and told their "team" determined the charges were valid. This one was pretty special since they're basically saying, too bad we gave you a dangerous car! To also note, this is the 3rd time I've had issues with Budget. First time they ran out of cars and then charged me the new price to rent a new car. Second time they gave me a car with a flat tire. Budget has a history of dangerous car rentals and I will not be using them again. It's such a joke they think that a car with the brakes going out doesn't warrant a full and complete refund.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/09/2025

      BBB #: ********
      Case: 71846442

      Dear ******* ****** and ******* La Fleur,

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

      Budget values our relationship with travelers and always strives to do the right thing. We apologize for the inconvenience this matter has caused.
      Our records show that customer service sent a voucher for a free 2 day rental and they did process 2 refunds in the amounts of $85.74 on May 7, 2025 and $174.78 on May 8, 2025.  Please allow up to 10 days for processing. 


      Based on this information we have determined that the charges seem to be correctly rendered, and no additonal refund is in order in this instance. 

      Although we realize that we cannot make up for a disappointing experience such as this, we do appreciate your contacting us. Only by being made aware of a problem can we correct it and offer the high quality of service that our customers expect and deserve.

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 


      Sincerely, 

      Avis Budget Group
      Customer Advocacy Response Coordinator

      Customer Answer

      Date: 06/04/2025


      Complaint: 23293709

      I am rejecting this response because:

      You gave me a car with bad brakes and refused to give me a full refund. Then the audacity to think giving me not even a 50% refund was sufficient. I paid $445.38 and you guys refund me some made up number of two refunds totalling $171.48. Oh and 2 vouchers so I can use your s*** a** company again? Maybe you can give me a car with no engine next time? Get bent.



      Regards,

      Brienne La Fleur

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/03/2025

      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 rented a car from Budget and was charged a $450.00 cleaning fee. The vehicle was not left in a state where a cleaning fee should have been charged. I want a full refund to my account. Theyre accusing us of smoking in the vehicle and neither one of us smoke. No one smoked in the vehicle. I want a full refund.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/09/2025

      BBB #: ********
      Case: 72390899

      Dear ******* ****, 

      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.

      Our records show that you have already contacted our **************** Team and had this resolved. 

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/03/2025

      Type:Customer Service 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 am being charged by budget and should not have been. When I went to go pick up the vehicle after reservering it months ahead, they didn't have a single one for me. Their closest ones were 2 hours away and we were not having it. Our card still got charged by budget. I've called them many times and they can't seem to find my name, card that was charged, or even reservation number. I can't dispute it with my bank anymore as it's been too long. I was waiting for budget to finish on their side and months later I keep getting, we have to send it higher up and it'll take 5-10 business days. Then nothing happens! I've been calling since February.

      Business Response

      Date: 05/09/2025

      BBB #: 23291856
      Case: 71219480

      Dear Mr./Ms. Pratt, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# 23291856, 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 charge is from a Budget Truck rental you had from February 3rd, 2025, to February 10th, 2025, not a charge from Budget Car Rental. 

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

      Business Response

      Date: 06/25/2025

      BBB #: 23291856
      Case: 71219480

      Dear Mr./Ms. Pratt, 

      In regards to the aforementioned BBB complaint case# 23291856, 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 charge is from a Budget Truck rental you had from February 3rd, 2025, to February 10th, 2025, not a charge from Budget Car Rental. 

      Thank you for allowing us to assist you. 

      Sincerely,

      Avis Budget Group
      Client Relations Team

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