National Car Rental Reviews

Check out at Houston TX Hobby airport with Erin **, excellent customer service, quick and thorough. She took the time to make sure we did not forget any personal items and had a very positive happy attitude. Great way to send us off on an early morning flight. Thank you Erin, we appreciate your help.

If I could give zero stars I would. We rented a full sized SUV a month prior to our trip, paid fully in advance. We arrived at the correct time to pick up the vehicle and to pick up the vehicle and the person at the counter explained they needed a credit card for a deposit, even though the customer service representative told us it was not needed when we booked. I ran home to grab my credit card and by the time I returned they gave the reserved vehicle to another customer and explained they all they had was mini vans left. We explained we reserved and paid for an full sized SUV but at this point we needed to leave in the morning to drive from Rochester NY to Panama City Beach FL, so we accepted the mini van for the time, the representative explained we could exchange it at any National or Enterprise along the way.

After posting this review, I was emailed by National to address the issue. I was advised that upon returning my vehicle I would be compensated for the trouble. This is outstanding customer service for a long time loyal customer. I don't see a lot of businesses taking care of their customers like this anymore so I will happily stick with National given that they take customer issues seriously. Thank you!!!

We rent from National whenever we can (they do not have a presence at every one of our destinations, however we use them whenever they do have a presence). We love Emerald Club. We recently (July 22, 2025) rented from National in Denver and had requested a high clearance 4WD vehicle. They had a brand new 4WD Ford F-150 and it was such a treat. Not only that, but it was a Hybrid and we drove it for a week and only had to refuel when we were back at the airport. It got us out to all the trailheads we wanted to get to (mostly the 14ers) and was a pleasure to drive in every capacity. And National (Emerald Club) is unrivaled in how easy it is to get going and to check in. I have not seen a car rental company that beats National...

I picked my rental car from LAX Airport. On my way out, I stopped by the small office for identity verification. The representative asked me to show her the credit card I used for the booking. I noticed she took a snapshot of my card before returning it to me. I reached out to customer service to find out if this is their standard procedure for verifying credit card information or if this was unusual behavior from the representative. However, it was after hours, and the person I spoke with on the phone advised me to call customer service again the next day. I did so, and they were supposed to inform the manager of this location, but I have yet to hear back from them about it.

I rented a suv from the airport at Abbotsford, BC. Pickup was easy. Everything was okay until the day I was supposed to return the vehicle. Before I even returned the vehicle, I received a receipt in which they changed the return to a completely different location and charged me an extra $1400. When I went to drop off the car, the person at the desk could not refund it and didn’t know what to do. They blamed the other location and said I would have to call customer service. I called customer service the next morning and they told me it was the Abbotsford location who did it and they should have been able to fix it. They refunded me, but said I would have to wait a few days for manager approval because it was over $1000. I think it is unacceptable that they were able to do this and acted like everything was fine that I had to wait after they took an extra $1400 they should not have. That is a lot of money and a big screw up.

I reserved a mini van at the Tampa airport to be returned to the Pittsburgh airport. Unfortunately, the van was too big for city driving so I exchanged it at the West Mifflin Pa Enterprise location. The Pittsburgh airport was short 550 cars since it was the U.S. Open. They suggested I try a suburban location, which I did. Matt at Enterprise was able to give me a smaller car & told me nothing would change & I would still get my credits but that did not happen even though I was downgraded to an SUV.

I have been renting cars from National for over 12 years and I can assure you that things are not heading in the right direction. When it comes to years of dedication, National provides a good perk as being classified as an Executive Elite member. But…..I have found lately that the executive car selection at many different airports including MCI, DFW, CLT do NOT have executive cars to choose from. If you look, many times the emerald section is the exact same as the executive section. So, where is the perk I’m paying $39,000 a year at??? I like the idea of just walking out to get your car and there it is. Many times staff will assist me in getting a very nice car but many times I have to ASK for it!

There’s a guy that’s named Jack, he works in the mornings on Saturdays I believe and when I tell you he was the most rudest person I’ve ever seen behind a desk. I literally canceled my rental with them and went to Budget. He came off immediately irritated and rude when I introduced myself to the point where I asked him is he ok as he proceeds to shut the window on me. This was our interaction. I never in my life had to write a review but I hope you guys fire this man. He is terrible and rude. I’m sure I’m not the first to complain but I’m sure I’ll never shop with you guys again. Thanks but no thanks. His name was Jack and he worked in the Norfolk airport.

Last year, I had a poor experience with National Car Rental and was offered a coupon for 3 free rental days as compensation. The email included a coupon code valid for a standard-sized car and instructed me to call a number to apply it to a future reservation. When I called Agent #1, I clearly stated that I wanted to use the coupon code and asked two questions:

I came to California last minute to support a long time friend going who’d just experienced a tragedy and terrible loss. I felt so uplifted and grateful for the efficient, caring and exceptional service at National at SFO. It made a heartbreaking trip more bearable with the ease of the rental vehicle. Isaac and Derek were particularly helpful and I felt they both went the extra mile.

I rented a midsize SUV at Raleigh NC for 4 days. I paid $60/day for this rental. I wanted to extend 1 day and was quoted $180/day to extend. I retuned the vehicle. Rented the exact same one for $60 again. Why couldn’t you just extend for the $60?? Why make me return the vehicle and re-rent it to get the same rate? Pretty stupid if you ask me.

Rented a car for two weeks for a total of $470.36. My father passed away and I needed to extend for one additional week due to his funeral. I was told my total would change to $960.00. I was charged $1325.99 and the charge over extended my credit card. I called National multiple times asking for assistance in reducing in my bill as I am a single mother and this is a very tough circumstance and I was under the impression my bill would be $960.00. I was advised they would pass a message to a supervisor to return my call multiple times. I NEVER received a call back. I called again asking for corporate's number. Called and emailed them with again NO RESPONSE. They have the worst customer service I've ever experienced. Beware of the scam I experienced.

Do not rent with National unless you are only driving for 25 miles or less per day. I recently rented a car, put in for the pickup and drop off, had unlimited mileage on my car, and when I returned it, I had an excessive mileage fee at .40 a mile times the 1100 miles I drove. This took my quoted cost of the rental from $650 to $1150. This is the biggest scam rental company I have ever dealt with so protect yourself and use other services.

If I could post a Negative number, I would. I had to wait a few weeks to post this review because I was so furious. I bundled a car rental with my flight through one of the common bundle companies. I paid in advance, SIX WEEKS prior to travel for a flight and rental car from NATIONAL. My flight went great, actually arrived early and I proceeded to the car rental desk in the (PIE) Tampa-St. Pete Airport at 1130 PM on March 11th 2025. At the desk, the young clerk began processing my paid reservation when he said there was a balance due from the prior year for $250. In 2024 I had my rental car broken into, breaking a window while in San Francisco. I did, however, pay this when due, last year. I told the clerk this and he gave me a phone number for the company's claims or billing department but that call center was closed and wasn't staffed again till the morning.

Have been a customer since 2009… WILL NEVER RENT FROM NATIONAL AGAIN. Have a 21 day rental out of Sky Harbor Phoenix, on March 1, 2025 got a flat tire, roadside assistance at 5pm informed me there would be. $75 charge to replace tire with a spare (donut) and then, I will have to have tire repaired at my expense and have put back on car before I turned rental in. I don’t think so…bye bye National. I went to an Enterprise location in Scottsdale and replaced the vehicle.

I rented a car from National in Michigan in February--which means lots of snow. Even though I paid about $250 extra for an "all wheel drive" vehicle, it was terrible in snow, even when set on the snow setting. It got stuck several times and required multiple people to push it out. (I've rented from Hertz before in the same locations, and their winter cars have no problems.) When I turned the car in, the counter people said that they were required to put "four season tires" on all their rentals. Those kinds of tires are worthless in snow. They should either keep a fleet of winterized cars, or close up shop in the winter. I did call their customer service line and they offered to take $100 off the rental cost, which is nice token gesture but does not make up for the inconvenience.

A SCAM. BE AWARE!!! $307 FROM ONLINE RESERVATION. From the office airport drive you out the another place. While there they tell you that you credit card. No matter which Bank. Gold Amex, Citi Travel. They won't use insurance with it, they need to cover you then the grand total went to $750. When next door Budget. Twice the car size and $490 all included with insurance up 90% then $300 deposit refundable if no issue. Rental for 14 days. Stay away from National Cancun. SCAMMERS.

Stay Away: Rented a F150, was given a comparable Nissan Frontier. While I was driving in winter conditions, I went to use the Windshield Wiper Fluid... There was NONE. All of a sudden the low tire pressure prompt came up. The front right tire was 6 psi less than the other 3. I bought some fluid on my own, put it in the truck, didn't want to deal with the lower pressure tire and went on my way and finished my trip.

Rented out a car with Full Insurance in Bozeman Montana Airport. Drove 2 hours to my destination (West Yellowstone Montana) and got stuck in drifting snow so the car was not going anywhere. Called National and they said they would take care of the situation by sending a tow truck and a replacement car which they never did. I was on the phone with them for several days wasting away my vacation trying to get this situation resolved. Finally, the day before flying out I needed a car to take me 2 hours back to the airport. National told me they would send me an Uber. I was waiting and waiting. No Uber response. I had to call back and they said that no Uber was available. A representative told me that I had to find my own transportation and that I would get reimbursed and to submit my receipt. The ride was $530!!!!

I only rent from National Car Rental. I travel a lot for business, and I have never had any issues. I have rented cars at 36 airports across the county with National and I have always received excellent service, and the vehicles have all been in great condition. It's always great to get a nice upgrade as well. Thank you National!

Hi, I am sharing my personal experience I've experienced with National Car Rental (servicing at LGA airport location). I've made a reservation for a rental and received a contract/agreement totaling $1,443.13 which was signed and agreed when I took out the vehicle, upon returning the vehicle, two days later I received a charge on my card and receipt for this reservation totaling $2591.39, significantly higher than what was agreed upon in the contract, in fact $1148.26 more.

I rented a vehicle using a rewards card. I wanted to extend the rental by a day and a half. They wanted to charge me $458.00. I went to their website and the same vehicle, same dates and times, same insurance details cost $225. I called twice and neither representative would honor the advertised price. I will never use National Car Rental again.

I am not happy and will be seeking additional resolution. I rented a car, it was vandalized at my hotel while I was sleeping. The person was arrested and charged. I'm being stuck with the bill for this vandalism and the national rep said, and I quote, "It's easier for us to get the money from you than the other party." I can't press charges because it's not my vehicle. National isn't pressing charges to reimburse me for the charge. I settled the payment with your team but wondering if I should seek legal consult as there is a police report of the known assailant, location of said person, etc. Yet somehow I'm being stuck with the charges. I am at the highest tier possible with your company but I will no longer use national, and will advise my entire team to not do so as well as this was a poorly handled situation. I, the customer, is being stuck with charges instead of your team going after the person who damaged the vehicle. Absolutely ridiculous.

We rented a car at LaGuardia Airport, we experienced problems. We returned the car early and tried to report the issues but there was no manager available. We wrote an email detailing the problems indicating our concern if not fixed could be life threatening to a future rental. We received an email indicating that we have written to the wrong place but they would forward our concern to the proper person. After not hearing anything. We wrote a bad Google review. We got an almost immediate response. However the person assured us that the problem had been fixed in fact the car has been rented again for over a month.

I’ve been a customer of National Car Rental for a year now, and I can confidently say their customer service is exceptional, no matter where I go. I travel 2-3 times a month for work, and every time I rent with National, I’m met with helpful, professional, and attentive staff who ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Their vehicles are always clean, reliable, and perfect for any trip I have planned, whether it’s just me or I’m hosting clients. National consistently goes above and beyond to ensure I’m taken care of, which speaks volumes about their commitment to customer satisfaction. The level of service I’ve experienced with National has been so impressive that I’ve recommended them to colleagues and friends, many of whom have also made the switch. If you’re looking for excellent service and top-notch rentals, I highly recommend National Car Rental. Thank you,.

Our family of four rented a car in Tirana, Albania for a week. The service desk at the airport was great, they explained clearly the important things to know for travel to neighboring countries (Kosovo and Greece). When we first got our car, we decided to try a larger vehicle to handle luggage better, and they were extremely helpful and arranged for the larger car to be delivered within a half hour. Great service, with the added convenience of renting through my National membership in the USA. Straightforward and simple!

This was the worst experience, no customer service. The women were very hard to deal with. Ended up being billed double what be expected. We thought we're dealing with National Car Rentals, turns out we had been redirected to another place in Whitecourt. I received a quote online and they have no problem overcharging us. I strongly recommend driving to Edmonton, this place is awful.

I urge anyone reading this review - DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. There are several other options out there. Long story short- I rented an SUV (-Wrangler) for 1 week in Miami, FL. During the 7 days - we may have used the car for 3 days (all short drives). Our final 2 days, we had not used the car and on our day of departure, the car would not start. We called National and they attempted to send us an Uber as we needed to get to the airport for our flight. The Uber never arrived and I came out of pocket for a ride to the airport. Despite paying a considerable amount for the rental, I only asked to be reimbursed for the out-of-pocket cost to the airport. I was instructed to send a receipt however it took several emails before I heard back.

Horrible customer service skills. Rented a car for a friend. First of all it's winter time and they don't stock all viechles for winter only if you requested a vehicle with winters on it otherwise you get all seasons and you pay extra for the winter tires. Then ask if you want protection but don't give you details as what type of protection they offer. Poor customer service skills and not helpful at all. Don't ever rent from these people.

The management of the Charleston, SC airport rental location should be fired and I don’t give the folks at the corporate 1-800 service much better ratings either. We had a winter jacket stolen right out of their Emerald Aisle and they refuse to talk to us, help us, call us back, etc. We have been trying for a week and have been as nice as possible in our requests. This has gone too far and we now feel that National Car Rental has THE WORST customer service we may have ever received.

Jose ** should be your employee of the year. I visited New York City during an incredibly busy time, and for a number of reasons, forgot to reserve a car. I actually took the rental car bus before I realized, and fortunately, I met Jose. In spite of the fact that your volume was low, he found me a car very quickly and arranged it at a great price. This guy should be in line to be the next CEO. His customer service is awesome, and he gets results.

National stole over $800 from me. I rented through Priceline, got a poor car from National and was offered an upgrade, which I returned for the next day. In the return line, the worker from National asked me if I was "closing the contract". I said I don't know what that means but I'm upgrading, so I guess so. What "closing the contract" meant was that my rental agreement was voided. Surprise! On a 22 day rental for $920, I had a car for one day and was then denied a car or a refund. They said deal with Priceline.

Be careful with the Emerald Club membership. They are using you to make their money and the treatment you get when you walk in and pick a car is just horrible. They treated you like you have not seen a car before. They are only interested in you driving anything but not what you want to. When they do not have a car they will put you in a truck or van, and we are OK just working with them. But the day you come and see a Volvo, just common Volvo, they will say you cannot take it even those you have attained an executive elite membership which allows to drive anything in their lot. Please they are just playing game with you. if there is Sixt car rental just go for it. They have better services and they will not treat you like you are not worth a person.

Thank you to Baki and Matt from Boston International Airport for going the extra mile to help a customer. Traveled for work and could not afford not to have a rental as I carry many tools. It seems somehow I didn’t submit my reservation but they were glad to accommodate me with a vehicle regardless of it being all booked.. Thanks!!

I am an elite executive member and always have good service in large airports. But today was second time about a year that I had a bad experience in small airports. I had a blown-out tire driving from a large airport to a small town. Was advised by National to go pick up a car locally which didn't work then advised to go to airport to pick up a car there. Got there shortly after 5pm and waited until closing time 6pm and no one showed up at the desk. Same thing happened a while back at Akron, OH airport where people at the desk left before closing time and was forced to rent from a different company only this time was, I needed replacement.

Used National at the Las Vegas airport twice. The most recent experience was last month September 2024. Reserved a premium car online, months ahead of time. On the day we arrived to pick up the car there were only a few "so called" premium vehicles available. From my experience working for GM Engineering these limited choices were not premium quality vehicles. Some didn't even have the options requested in our reservation. After 2 attempts to pick out a car finally went with a high mileage dirty vehicle with the 3rd choice. The unpleasant experience with National will be my last.

Long time executive member since 2015, recently rented a car at DFW airport, really very bad customer service (the problem was the supervisor and area manager). Every problem have a solution but that day was very bad. I already called customer service and explained the bad service I got at DFW. Now I am more than 1 month and no answer, no follow up. I even send emails to different National managers but still no follow up. To be honest shame of them.

Lucia at the Albany, NY International Airport was a great help in assisting us with renting a very comfortable Buick Envision. The automobile was reliable, clean and in top notch running order. It was my first time using National and I would use them again, plus recommend them to my friends.

I am in Wichita KS on business. Rental a car over a week ago. I get into town and at the rental counter and National had cancelled my rental. No explanation, nothing.... I had to walk to the hotel. I called the website number and someone was putting in a help ticket and someone was to call. No one called. I chatted online with someone. The only response I got was "Sorry". I travel for work. What do I do now? It doesn't matter if you are an Emerald Club Member or not. As I sat in the lobby, customers kept coming up to the counter and getting their car. Why wasn't their car cancelled? Why was mine? Why didn't anyone tell me my car was being cancelled and why? This is horrible. No one should be treated this way. Why would National overbook car rentals? I am so disappointed in National.