Investigation Finds ‘Rental Car Nightmare'

An undercover television news investigation of a Phoenix car rental agency showed serious problems in many areas of the business, such as cars with mushy brakes, vehicles that smelled like urine and vehicles with leaking parts, or parts missing completely.

The investigation of Saban’s Rent-A-Car by TV station ABC15 in Phoenix took place after the station heard about several customer complaints.

During the investigation of Saban’s, now under the name of Phoenix Car Rental, reporters went undercover to rent three cars and uncovered many customer stories of unsafe cars, unexpected fees and rude employees.

Of the three cars rented in the investigation, two were 12 years old with missing pieces and interiors “that have seen better days,” according to the report.

Investigators took one rented 1997 Chevy Lumina to certified mechanics who found various problems including no washer fluid reservoir in the vehicle, weak engine mounts, and leaking rear strut and steering hose.

The investigators also took a rented 1997 Ford Taurus to the mechanics, who found problems such as a valve malfunction and a wobbling wheel.

The Better Business Bureau lists 64 similar complaints against Saban’s and rates Saban’s an ‘F’.