Dollar Rent A Car Reviews 

Absolutely appalling experience at Dollar LAX – over 5 hours waiting for a prepaid car

Without doubt one of the worst car rental experiences we have ever had.

We arrived at Dollar LAX after a long flight from the UK to collect a vehicle that had already been booked and prepaid.

We were initially told that a car would be available in approximately one hour and that we would be prioritised because staff knew we had just arrived after a long flight.

That one-hour wait turned into more than five hours.

We were left at the Dollar facility throughout the night, exhausted and repeatedly waiting for a vehicle that should have been available as booked.

Eventually, after hours of waiting, we were finally told that a car had been allocated to us. We went to the number/location Dollar provided — and there was no car there!

We had to go all the way back to Dollar staff, who then had to try to locate the vehicle themselves. We were not the only ones. At least three other customers were also unable to find vehicles they had supposedly been allocated. It was complete chaos.

We eventually obtained our vehicle and finally left Dollar at approximately 4:30am.

Because of this extraordinary delay, we effectively lost the first night’s use of our already-paid-for hotel accommodation and the beginning of our holiday was completely ruined. Instead of getting to our hotel and sleeping after travelling from the UK, we spent the night waiting for Dollar to provide the car we had already paid for.

A short delay can happen. More than five hours for a prepaid vehicle, followed by allocating us a car that couldn’t even be found, is completely unacceptable.

We have retained evidence and are making a formal complaint seeking appropriate compensation for the delay, disruption and consequential loss.

Dollar LAX seriously needs to investigate how its operation was allowed to become such a shambles.

Absolutely unacceptable service and an appalling start to our holiday.

The girl who was there red hair I forget her name she charge me twice. I call customer service why they charge me twice but they told me the same thing will not be any charge, they are so dumb. They need better workers good customer. Not Dumb people didn’t how to work and they only do charge twice no explanation no apology nothing.

If I could leave ZERO stars, I would. This has been the worst rental car experience. I booked through Priceline and made the reservation at least a month in advance. Arrived to the airport and they said they did not have any cars available, but are working on it. I’ve been here for over two hours waiting, with over 30 people in line. The customer service reps leave the counter and go on break multiple times and leave the desk unattended. I would never recommend this place to anyone.

There are so many options out there and got reeled in by a promotion or I would have never or will ever in the future rent from this company again. First the counter experience from the man refusing to listen and kept talking at a high speed like an auctioneer adding an extra $500 dollars to coverage under their insurance when I said repeatedly that I have my own full coverage insurance and to please stop and listen. To the experience of finally picking up the vehicle which was not at spot 67 but at spot 30. When I approached an employee she appeared high and kept asking me to repeat myself because she couldn’t remember what I said, which is the vehicle in spot 67 is not my vehicle, her remedy to this issue is that I walk around and keep clicking the fob until I find my vehicle. Ok, not ok!!! I finally found the vehicle in spot 30. Educate your staff to articulate, not rip off customers and don’t get high while on the clock. In the end in space 30 I got a Toyota Corolla that had no coolant and overheated which left me with the only choice but stop at Auto Zone and fill it. When I returned the vehicle and explained the coolant issue and reimbursement she laughed. Never again!!

Book flight and rental car (Dollar)package via Orbitz. When my husband approached Dollar's counter, they struggled to find his reservation. After a delay, he finally received a vehicle. When he checked his receipts upon his return home, he discovered that Dollar had charged his for a "Damage Waiver" for $314.93 and "Premium Emergency Roadside Service" for $69.93, costing a total of $446.44. This amount far exceeded the original package price of the rental AND my husband had not consented to those up charges. (Our auto insurance and AAA membership have us covered.)

My advice is two-fold: Stay away from Dollar, and be leery of those packages.

AVOID HERTZ AND DOLLAR WHEN RENTING A CAR — Worst Rental Experience I’ve Ever Had

We rented a car from Dollar at Las Vegas International Airport, and this was by far the worst rental car experience I’ve ever had.

From the beginning, the Dollar representative at the airport was rude, unhelpful, and unfriendly. We were told to pick up our vehicle at Hertz, but when we got there—at around 1:00 AM—we discovered that she had given us the WRONG parking space number.

We spent forever walking around trying to find a car that wasn’t there. Eventually, we had to find a Hertz representative for help, and they confirmed that we had been given the wrong space number.

When we finally located the car, we immediately noticed that it was ALREADY DAMAGED.

There was no representative available to inspect the vehicle with us or document the existing damage, so thankfully, we took photographs and video before leaving.

When we returned the car, we specifically told the representative that the damage was already there when we rented it. She seemed to completely ignore what we were telling her.

Then, after the rental, we received an email claiming WE had damaged the car and that we were going to be charged for the damage.

Thankfully, we have photos and video showing the condition of the vehicle when we received it.

The entire experience—from the rude service, to being sent to the wrong parking spot at 1:00 AM, to receiving an already-damaged vehicle with nobody available to inspect it, and then being blamed for that damage afterward—was completely unacceptable.

I would HIGHLY recommend documenting every inch of your vehicle with photos and video before leaving the lot if you rent from Dollar or Hertz.

Personally, after this experience, I would avoid both Dollar and Hertz.

Unfortunately, my previous Hertz rental in Florida was also a horrible experience, so for me, this is no longer an isolated incident.

I will not rent from Dollar or Hertz again.

I made a reservation at the Kona airport in April and when I went ti pick it up with the confirmation # , she said she found the confirmation, but it was cancelled. I did not cancel it and they gave me a more expensive truck. I was told I could go online and look for another car. I live in Oklahoma City and this is the worst experience i have ever had. The truck had only 3/4 gas too. I will spread the word.

Michael Sereg
Confirmation # L656EBE8156
Pick-up Location: Buffalo Niagara Intl Airport Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 8:00 PM
Return Location: Buffalo Niagara Intl Airport Tuesday, August 25, 2026 @ 8:00 PM

Flight arrived late, immediately went to the rental counter, 20 people in line. 10 people processed in front of me when the clerk at the counter stated “We’re out of cars…approximate wait is 45 minutes to an hour…” I prepaid my rental, asked if the staff would continue processing customers or are we waiting in line for the 45-60 minutes, was told they’d continue processing customers. I finally got to the counter, and asked a question no one else did: what are my options. I received a Chrysler Pacifica instead of the car that I originally rented. I went downstairs to find the car, and couldn’t. asked the rental agent downstairs, was pointed to a distant almost hidden parking area in the dark. Found the vehicle, attempted to acquaint myself with the operation of it. Only dash lights available were speedometer/odometer/tachometer behind the wheel. All other controls like AC, radio, lights, etc were pitch black. It was like a fuse was blown. Took 5 minutes with my iphone flashlight to get the damn Airplay and GPS set up, and left. I missed dinner with family and friends. I hated this vehicle. I will never rent, operate, or otherwise speak positively of a Chrysler Pacifica again.

Next morning, I called customer service. Explained the situation. Was told I had to go back to the airport (30 minute drive) and “see if they have a replacement vehicle for me”. To which I replied and politely asked if the agent could please contact the counter to find out if a vehicle existed after my last experience, I didn’t want to drive an hour just to find out the car wasn’t available. 20 minutes on hold, I’m told there is a car available. I go to the airport.

I arrive and swap cars downstairs, thank god I didn’t have to go upstairs and wait in line. I swapped the Chrysler for a Kia K4 sedan, which operated similarly to my own vehicle, or so I thought. Easily set up the dash lights and AC and radio and Airplay. Returned to the house, loaded my baggage, and traveled to Burlington and Hamilton Ontario to visit family.

Through the course of my use of that car, I encountered insane issues in the normal customary driving of it. The Driver Safety Assistance? Auto sensing anti collision system WAS COMPLETELY WHACKED OUT. I’m driving on the highway doing 65 mile an hour, a car passes me on my right side, with 4? Feet or room to spare, and the alarms, dash lights, steering wheel vibration go off and the car automatically brakes/slows down. THIS IS DANGEROUS. I move over to the right lane and continue at 65 miles and hour. A large truck passes me on my left with PLENTY of space between us 4/feet?, and the same thing happens. I approach a car in rush hour traffic ahead of me, I’m doing 20? Miles an hour and slowing down as the cars in front of me are slowing down because of traffic. I have been taught to allow for 10 feet of distance for every 10 mph you are traveling. I’m 25 feet away from the car ahead of me and this damn safety warning happens again. THIS HAPPENED MY ENTIRE TRIP.

Words cannot express the anger, frustration, contempt experienced. I complied with my responsibilities and returned the car as I received it in good shape and a full tank of gas. You ruined my weekend visiting family in a broken Pacifica and an epileptic BiPolar psychotic Kia on the highway in Buffalo and in Canada.

I rented a Nissen 2026 on August 13-27 on a trip along the coast of Maine starting in Bangor ME and going to Harpswell ME. The car was not clean. Beverage bottles, trash, tissue napkins and a steering wheel stick on grip lying on the backseat floor. It obviously had not been cleaned or prepped for the next rental. The floor had gravel an sand from the previous renter. The back window was covered with dust. Front windshield had glue marks from stick ons and obstructed view to the right. Overall the rental was not worth the $1300 and I DO NOT recommend Dollar and will never use them again. I don’t want to rent a car that I need to clean inside and out. The customer service guy apologized but made no concessions for our trouble. My failure was I didn’t take photos so my word was meaningless.
AVIOD DOLLAR CAR RENTALS!

In Toronto it in not the company to rent from. More than an hour wait at the airport when all other compis are empty. And then don't care

SCAM ALERT!!
On returning the car we carried out checks to ensure everything was as we had received it.
No damage what so ever so returned the key.
By the time we had landed back in the UK (roughly 2.5 hours after returning the car) we had already received an e-mail charging for damage (c.£650). The photos provided were blurred so didn't show anything.
We e-mailed disputing the claim and requested no money was taken from our deposit until resolved.
A further e-mail was sent a few days later after no reply, and then another e-mail a few days later after further non reply and a payment was taken.
It's impossible to speak with anyone and the chat bot doesn't recognise any of the booking references!!
At this point it appears there is no way of resolving this.
We will keep pursuing it, but fear it is going to be a long struggle. We will alert the ombudsmen but not sure how effective this will be.
If you want a hassle free experience and be clear of obvious scams I would avoid using this company.

DO NOT TRUST! We rented a van online declining insurance and roadside. We verbally and digitally declined in person. When we authorized the $200 deposit they charge us for insurance and roadside. We already have AAA which we used on our trip so that's pretty obvious we don't need roadside. We have full coverage insurance and used a credit card that covers incidentals so we definitely did not need their ridiculous insurance at $44.99 per day! They refused to refund and I filed fraud with my credit card.

I booked and paid a car through Aurum from Dollar Car Rental, rental period 60+days. Upon arrival at the service desk of Dollar Car Rental, a very rude employee refused to accept my credit cards for the deposit payment, because they are issued with my short first name. I proved to him that I am the owner of my cards. Still he refused to accept them. He mentioned, had I booked directly with Dollar Car Rental, my Credit Cards would have been accepted!!!! I asked for his name, which he refused to provide!!!!
I had to go by train to my destination. Very stressful. So, even 1 star is too much.
I will never, ever book a car from them again.

I rented a car at the Kona airport on Hawaii. The agent asked me if I wanted the prepaid full tank of gas. He clearly stated that if I returned the car with a full tank, I would be refunded for the prepaid tank of gas. Just to be sure I understood correctly, I asked the agent again to verify that I would be refunded if I returned the car with a full tank, and he stated that would be the case – great deal, no risk, etc. I made a point to top off the tank just before returning the car, but I was not refunded for the prepaid gas ($65.27). The agent either lied intentionally or is badly misinformed of company policy. For the record, I am one of those pleasant, thankful, and understanding customers who knows everyone is just trying to do their job. After leaving Kona and flying to Maui, I went to that Dollar airport office to rent a car. I mentioned that I was not refunded for the full tank back on Kona, and that agent said I would need to call the Kona office as all of the locations are separate entities. Fair enough. I called the number multiple times, left two voicemails, and never got a return call. (I did not say anything on the voicemail about the refund for the gas, only that I had a question about my bill.) In addition, the agent at the Maui airport office told me that it is state law that I must be refunded for the prepaid gas. Well, I did some online research, and the reality is that rental car companies are under no obligation to make such refunds. (I suppose in a sense it’s my fault for not knowing this, but is everyone supposed to be an expert on the subtleties of rental car policy? I’m sure it’s in one of the volumes you initial at the counter, but nobody reads all of that because you’d spend an hour holding up the line to do so.) So, either this guy lied in the same spirit as the guy in the Kona office, or they’re just making things up, maybe to entertain themselves. In either case, Dollar went 0 for 2 on this trip. I will never rent a car from them again. This is a BOTTOM-SHELF COMPANY. Pay a bit more (or not) for a better experience elsewhere where you might not get cheated out of your hard-earned money by a substandard corporation with employees who must hate working for them. Finally, avoid Thrifty too, as apparently they are the same company.

I reserved a van three months in advance for the San Francisco airport office. Prior to my departure the confirmed that the van was ready for pick-up. However, when I arrived, they didn't have a van. The representative told me I should have reserved a van with multiple rental locations. He then offered me two cars for my family that needed a van for vacation. I then insisted on a refund of my prepaid funds. They promised a full refund and then two weeks later only gave me a partial. I am now fighting to get the rest of the funds. Never go with Dollar. It is a failed company with terrible service.

Stay well clear of these scammers, They are cheap for a reason!!!! You end up paying twice as much as the price agreed due to there so called company policies with Insurance agreements.
Pre-booked my car hire £395.00, Went to pick my car up at the Airport only to be told the insurance cover I had opted for at time of booking did not cover me which is complete nonsense, I had hired a car the week earlier through Alamo with no issues at all and had the same insurance package booked.
After an hour of arguing at the desk I paid for the full insurance cover just to get myself away from the sales guy who was really pushing me saying its was my error, 4 days after arriving back from holiday another £416.00 charge on my credit card.
Please stay away from these its not worth the hassle

Worst company ever, I was completely mislead when picking up the car and told extra toll charges etc were compulsory and then billed for something completely different which I never consented too, and random amounts of money have been taken from my bank after returning the car, impossible to actually speak to someone to dispute anything. Basically the company appears to be at best fraudulent and I’ve no idea how it’s still operating given the reviews on here, I should have done more thorough due diligence myself. Lesson learned.

scammer alart!
Total price I paid in full was $410 Online.
When I arrived, they want me to pay $200 extra for tax and fee. Cancelled and rent from Budget instead.

Absolutely the worst rental car experience. Right of all 4 tires were low pressure. None of the safety features were active. The information screen was deactivated. The safety features unavailable. Premium price for a disaster. Don't bother using these clowns.

Dollar Rent a Car is perhaps one of the worst experiences i have ever had renting a car. I have generally good experiences with Hertz, which I know is part of the same company, so its difficult to understand why there is such a disparity in service.

I rented a car in Sacramento yesterday just for the day. Because I was using a debit card, they requested a 500 deposit plus the rental fee which was around $109. the car was returned normally and I received a final receipt for the 109. What actually happened through is that i received a charge for 894 instead of the 109 plus the 500. They took more than a 750 deposit for a one day rental without telling me which was completely unauthorized! This is absurd and i now have 894 blocked on my account for several days. When I tried to speak to the agents at the counter, they were unhelpful and actually rude, saying that I had to take it up with my bank. The problem is that THEY are the ones who decided to take a random figure which was unexplained and unauthorized from what they told me (not the bank). They would give no explanation, give no help and gave no solution to the issue.

Things like this are what make travelling difficult. There are no ramifications for companies doing things like this. One shouldn't have to write complaints in review platforms like this to get a result or response.

$894 taken for a one day rental of a standard type car is just absurd.