Reviewers describe recurring billing disputes and surprise fees after booking. Many mention long waits, canceled or changed reservations, and agents adding services without consent. Complaints about vehicle condition and safety come up across locations. Several reviews also highlight specific employees for helpful, professional service.
Examples from available reviews (Nov 2021 – Feb 2026).
Rental quoted $1000 ballooned to $2700; company called it legitimate.
“My $1000 car rental was $2700!”
Website/account issues prevented booking and applied discounts failed.
“the screen reverted back to the page that said search vehicles!”
The rental lacked safety and comfort features, making them feel unsafe.
“At this moment I don’t feel safe and comfortable!”
Mr. Aaron provided supportive, professional service and strong assistance.
“Thank you Avis for being the best rental car company.”
Reviewers describe frequent reservation problems and long pickup lines. Many say agents added coverage or pushed extras. A smaller number name employees who fixed issues quickly and handled the situation professionally.
Customers mention hidden fees, surcharges, and optional insurance added even after they declined. Several describe big jumps between the quote and the final charge, plus deposits or prepayments that were not returned. Complaints about unexplained charges after the rental show up in multiple markets.
Users report website issues and booking loops that blocked or slowed reservations. Some arrived to find prepaid bookings couldn’t be canceled or were marked unavailable. A few say they were given electric vehicles with too little charge or limited access to charging.
Reviews mention cars delivered dirty, with strong odors, or with visible damage. Some also report mechanical problems, low tire pressure, and missing safety or convenience features. At least one reviewer says the vehicle felt unsafe and had to be replaced.
Customers say billing explanations didn’t match the invoice and that promised refunds never arrived. Reviews also mention emergency lines going unanswered, invoices in unexpected languages, and pressure to sign paperwork or buy insurance. Several disputes involve charges kept for damage the customer says was already there.
The reviews show a sharp split between frequent, serious complaints about service and billing and a handful of standout positive encounters. Many say the problems disrupted travel plans. A minority report smooth pickups, helpful staff, and quick check-in.
For each review, the core experience based on original source reviews.
Sources: Trustpilot (60) · yelp.com (20) · Collected.reviews (1) · Quotes shortened · As of: February 2026
Waited long in line; manager absent and reserved car unavailable.
“waited sn hour in line”
Waited long in line; manager absent and reserved car unavailable.
“waited sn hour in line”
Avis Turkey added an unexplained 20% surcharge on toll charges.
“appears to be charging an extra 20% tax”
Avis Turkey added an unexplained 20% surcharge on toll charges.
“appears to be charging an extra 20% tax”
Reservation canceled for higher‑paying customer, charged more and given faulty car.
“A total bait and switch business practice.”
Reservation canceled for higher‑paying customer, charged more and given faulty car.
“A total bait and switch business practice.”
Charged more and given a lower-value vehicle; customer feels robbed.
“They have essentially robbed me.”
Charged more and given a lower-value vehicle; customer feels robbed.
“They have essentially robbed me.”
Issued dangerous car, no replacement available, and coupon unhonored.
“Dangerous car was issued to me”
Issued dangerous car, no replacement available, and coupon unhonored.
“Dangerous car was issued to me”
Avis charged a 10,000 PHP deposit that was never returned.
“they will charge you with a 10k php deposit at will never return it”
Avis charged a 10,000 PHP deposit that was never returned.
“they will charge you with a 10k php deposit at will never return it”
Rental quoted $1000 ballooned to $2700; company called it legitimate.
“My $1000 car rental was $2700!”
Rental quoted $1000 ballooned to $2700; company called it legitimate.
“My $1000 car rental was $2700!”
Confirmed reservation canceled, no cars available and contracted pricing not honored.
“no vehicles were available”
Confirmed reservation canceled, no cars available and contracted pricing not honored.
“no vehicles were available”
Website/account issues prevented booking and applied discounts failed.
“the screen reverted back to the page that said search vehicles!”
Website/account issues prevented booking and applied discounts failed.
“the screen reverted back to the page that said search vehicles!”
Mr. Aaron provided supportive, professional service and strong assistance.
“Thank you Avis for being the best rental car company.”
Mr. Aaron provided supportive, professional service and strong assistance.
“Thank you Avis for being the best rental car company.”
Reservation for €118 charged €432 with unexplained additional fees.
“They charged my account $432 after I came back to USA!”
They were charged far more than the reserved price due to fees.
“They charged my account $432 after I came back to USA!”
Calls to customer service were terrible despite some good local staff.
“The absolute WORST customer service experience I’ve ever had.”
Reviewer experienced extremely poor customer service and will not return.
“The absolute WORST customer service experience I’ve ever had.”
Agent added coverage without consent and company blamed signed contract.
“Agent added coverage to my rental without asking.”
An agent added coverage without consent, causing unreimbursed fees.
“Agent added coverage to my rental without asking.”
Second rental lacked listed safety and comfort features causing concern.
“NO GPS!!!, NO PARKING DISTANCE CONTROL”
The rental lacked safety and comfort features, making them feel unsafe.
“At this moment I don’t feel safe and comfortable!”
Website loops prevented booking and customer service options were limited.
“it just goes into a continual loop.”
Their website booking looped and online support lacked options.
“it just goes into a continual loop. A death spiral.”
Quoted £35 became £131 with hidden fees; car dirty and scratched.
“car ended up costing me £131.00 for 2 days.”
Hidden fees dramatically increased the cost and the car was dirty.
“car ended up costing me £131.00 for 2 days.”
Forced into an electric car with little charging infrastructure, creating risk.
“put our family at risk out in the New Mexico desert and did not care at all”
They were forced into an electric car with insufficient charging options.
“They put our family at risk out in the New Mexico desert”
Prepaid reservation resulted in a long wait and missed travel plans.
“2 hours and 37 mins later I finally received a vehicle!!”
They waited over two hours despite prepaid reservation and missed travel.
“2 hours and 37 mins later I finally received a vehicle!!”
Charged $194 after return for insurance I did not order; reps conflicted.
“I DID NOT request the extra insurance or Roadside Service.”
They were charged for unwanted extras contrary to their booking.
“I NEVER request extra insurance . I have my own!!”
Agent lied about required insurance, pressured timeshare, and demanded cash.
“outright lied to me.”
Cancun staff lied and pressured them into paying extra fees and cash.
“He said I could not drive the car off the lot without paying for the extended insurance.”
This page combines submitted experiences with public reviews from platforms such as Google, Trustpilot, etc. Recurring points are summarized without changing the content of reviews.
Avis is a global car rental company with airport and city locations for short- and long-term vehicle hire. It rents several vehicle types, including economy cars, SUVs, and electric models. Customers can book online or in the mobile app and manage reservations through corporate and leisure channels. Avis offers roadside assistance and optional insurance and protection products at pickup. The brand serves travelers at major airports and urban locations worldwide.