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
Their rental cars experienced two mechanical failures during the trip.
“My rental cars from AVIS at the Maui airport broke twice.”
They were unexpectedly told a 650 credit score was required to rent.
“he told me I have to have a 650 credit score to rent the car.”
They arrived late and found no staff despite confirmation of coverage.
“We were told they stay until last flight....wrong!”
Consistently satisfied with rentals at this location over several years.
“have never been disappointed or sorry that I rented from them.”
Pickup was quick and staff provided excellent, efficient customer service.
“Yonnas provided excellent customer service.”
They experienced poor customer service and were charged more than quoted.
“Paid significantly more than my quote.”
Overall an excellent experience with fast, simple check-in and out.
“Checking in and out was fast.”
Employees were rude, untrained, and dishonest during rental inquiries.
“their employees are rude, have zero training,”
Their reserved car was rented out while they were en route.
“They called me to inform me that they had rented out the car I had reserved”
They prepaid then were told no cars available and couldn't cancel.
“They have no cars They can't cancel the reservation”
The rental location is convenient but the car smelled strongly of marijuana.
“The car I picked up on the 13th literally smelled like someone had been smoking weed in it”
Staff member Austin accommodated a problematic third-party reservation successfully.
“He got me the car I was reserved down to the model”
The car was filthy, damaged, and smelled strongly of cigarette smoke.
“it reeked like cigarette smoke.”
Company said they were upgraded to a larger SUV upon review.
“you were not downgrade but were upgraded to a larger SUV.”
They were charged unexplained fees and received a different car than agreed.
“They lied about the daily rate and then added a bunch of fake, unexplained fees.”
Online showed an extremely high daily price, and staff gave confusing answers.
“Today online I found the price of 1875 a day plus taxes using my Alaska Airlines card”
They were charged for an extra day after returning the car two minutes late.
“I was charged for an extra day because I arrived at 1:02 PM--just two minutes after the 1:00 PM closing time.”
A tire's pressure was low despite no warning or apparent damage.
“the tire pressure of the left rear tire, was low, 29 psi.”
They were asked to sign blank forms and received a dirty car.
“why would any company have you electronically sign blank forms”
They experienced poor customer service and language comprehension problems.
“when you are speaking with someone that doesnt understand English.”
Vehicle had smell and issues; charged $450 cleaning fee despite extensions.
“i get charged $450.00 cleaning fee”
Staff were unprofessional and billing charged the customer three times.
“I was charged three times”
Quoted price increased dramatically and vehicle had maintenance problems.
“price quoted of around $1,000 ballooned to an eye-popping $3,600”
Prepaid reservation left unrefunded due to undisclosed 'non-refundable' amount.
“a “non-refundable prepay” amount of $116.80”
Charged for pre-existing damage and refund promised but not received.
“I received 6543 SEK charge for the damages.”
Prepaid reservation not found at Denver, causing long delay and frustration.
“cannot find reservation.”
Employee Kai drove me to the correct return location and helped generously.
“WAY WAY ABOVE THE CALL OF DUTY.”
Charged for documented pre-existing wheel damage; disputed but $137.26 retained.
“yet Avis still kept $137.26.”
Car was filthy and had low tyre pressure, causing delays and safety concerns.
“the screen was filthy”
Received an invoice in Spanish with unexpected items not matching contract.
“I have recieved by e-mail an invoice in spanish”
Ali at New Haven train station provided excellent service.
“Ali at the New Haven train station provides 10/10 service.”
Staff pressured me into buying expensive insurance without proper explanation.
“tried to sell me the most expensive insurance”
Multiple unexplained charges appeared on credit card without invoice.
“an amount several times was recently charged to my credit card”
Forced into low‑charged electric vehicle, struggled to find chargers and ruined trip.
“They gave it to us hardly charged”
Picked up a car at Calgary airport that was caked in mud.
“it was caked in mud - hadn't bother to wash it before next customer!”
Customer service was terrible and they unfairly overcharged customers.
“Customer service is terrible and not useful.”
Reserved seven-seat vehicle but received smaller car and poor refund handling.
“they told me that the car I reserved was not available”
Told to drive on a flat tire, bounced between locations and overcharged.
“TOLD US TO DRIVE ON A FLAT TIRE!”
They charged optional insurance despite refusal and won't remove it.
“They charge for extras even you state you do not want them.”
Emergency number unanswered and Italian‑speaking staff hung up while stranded.
“Avis is unreachable in case of emergency.”
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.