**Absolutely the worst rental car experience I've ever had.**
What should have been a simple car rental turned into a nightmare from beginning to end.
After waiting **over an hour** at the airport, I was finally given a vehicle that should never have been rented to anyone. It had mechanical issues that affected its reliability and interrupted my trip, causing unnecessary stress, wasted time, and significant inconvenience.
The condition of the vehicle was even more alarming. It was obvious that it had not been properly cleaned before being rented out. Most shockingly, there was a **used condom left inside the vehicle**. Finding something like that in a rental car is beyond disgusting--it's unacceptable and raises serious concerns about Hertz's cleaning and inspection procedures.
The customer service was just as disappointing. The airport employees were rude, dismissive, and showed no concern for the problems I encountered. Rather than taking responsibility or trying to resolve the situation, I felt like I was treated as though I was the problem.
To make matters even worse, I was later **threatened with being held financially responsible for damage that was already on the vehicle when I picked it up**. Instead of acknowledging the condition in which the vehicle was provided, I was left worried that I would be charged for damage I did not cause.
When I sought a resolution, Hertz **refused to issue a full refund** despite the unsafe and unsanitary condition of the vehicle and the disruption to my trip. Even more frustrating, Hertz and Hotwire have **continuously bounced me back and forth**, with each company directing me to the other instead of taking responsibility for resolving the issue.
**It has now been four months**, and this matter is still unresolved. After months of emails, phone calls, and being passed between Hertz and Hotwire, I am no closer to a fair resolution than I was on day one. The lack of accountability and customer care has been just as frustrating as the rental experience itself.
Customers pay for a rental car expecting it to be clean, safe, reliable, and backed by professional customer service. Instead, I experienced long wait times, rude employees, a dirty vehicle containing a used condom, mechanical problems that interrupted my trip, threats of being charged for pre-existing damage, a refusal to provide a full refund, and four months of being sent back and forth between Hertz and Hotwire with no meaningful resolution.
This experience has cost me far more than money--it has cost me countless hours of my time, unnecessary stress, and confidence in a company that advertises reliability and customer service. I cannot recommend Hertz based on my experience. Until Hertz improves its vehicle inspections, cleaning standards, maintenance, employee training, and customer service, I strongly encourage others to consider renting elsewhere. No customer should have to endure what I have experienced. read more
