AAA South Left Us Stranded for More Than 2 1/2 Hours -- After 28 Years of Membership, I'm Done!…read more
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, my BMW M4 suffered a damaged tire sidewall, leaving the tire completely deflated and the car undrivable. We called AAA South for towing assistance at 4:56 p.m.
What followed was an absolutely unacceptable customer-service experience.
AAA initially texted us that the tow truck would arrive in 77 minutes. When that time passed, we contacted AAA again and were told it would be another 47 minutes. When that estimate passed, we were given yet another ETA of 20 minutes.
That time passed, too. AAA then informed us that the driver had another job and that we would be notified when he was on his way to our location.
Meanwhile, we were sitting in a public park with a disabled vehicle. As the hours dragged on, it was getting dark, and we still had no reliable information about when help would arrive.
We continued waiting and checking for updates around 7:00, 7:03, and 7:11 p.m. Finally, at 7:31 p.m., after waiting more than 2 1/2 hours, we canceled the tow.
Think about that: We called at 4:56 p.m. and were still sitting in a public park, with darkness approaching, more than two and a half hours later. All we received were repeated changes to the estimated arrival time and no dependable resolution.
I understand that emergencies, traffic, and unexpected delays can happen. But repeatedly giving a customer new arrival estimates, allowing each one to pass, and then saying the driver has another job is not acceptable roadside assistance.
The following day, I called AAA corporate and informed them that I no longer wanted to be a member.
After 28 years of membership, I am ending my relationship with AAA because of this experience.
People pay for AAA because they expect help when their vehicle breaks down and they are stranded. We needed that help on October 17. Instead, we spent hours waiting in a public park as darkness approached, with no dependable arrival time and ultimately no tow at all.
AAA South's handling of this situation was deeply disappointing. Twenty-eight years of loyalty should count for something. This experience has convinced me that I can no longer rely on AAA for the peace of mind its membership is supposed to provide.
I am sharing this experience so other motorists can consider it when deciding whether AAA membership is worth the cost. I hope AAA takes a serious look at how this request was handled and makes improvements so that other members are not left in the same situation.
