National Car Rental — Local services in San Francisco

Rented a White GMC Terrain for a weekend in San Francisco. Vehicle has 30K miles on it. While driving it, I noticed the engine was making a slightly different sound and at times it hesitated a little during acceleration. On our way out, we left early in the morning and while driving over the San Mateo bridge, the vehicle check engine light came on, and it reported the engine was operating at reduced power. We almost couldn't make it over the hump due to the reduced power. We made it off the bridge, again, operating at reduced power, and came close to airport. However, we started smelling smoke and had to park the vehicle at the side of the road. Because we had to catch a flight, we called for roadside assistance, asking them what to do with the vehicle and keys. They told us to return the keys to the rental agency and they would summon a tow truck. To identify your location, they send you a text message that reads your phone's GPS location. However, this doesn't appear to be specific enough. The called kept asking for more specific details, but we were on a random road by the airport without any obvious markers. We left the car and boarded our flight. For the next 4 hours, we would see trucks get summoned and then tickets cancelled. I was in direct contact with the tow trucks directing them to the exact location of the car, but the ticket would get cancelled by National. Another driver would get summoned, but attempt to contact me (but I was on a flight so I couldn't answer the phone), and then end up cancelling the ticket. I believe we had at least 3 tickets. I have tried calling National to get in direct contact with the SF office so I can mail them keys and resolve the rental properly, and I was notified I will get an email message from this (still waiting). It appears the car was successfully located and towed. I'll update this thread as the details get worked out. And I didn't get to fill up the gas tank before I returned it, because it was smoking.

Obviously disappointed in the car and nearly ended up having my family stuck on the side of the San Mateo bridge and ruin everyone's commute. I am still a little unnerved by the experience.

Edit #1: Despite what the friendly reply might lead you to believe, I've already called the Roadside assistance 2x, been forwarded to National's roadside assistance (first line of answering is just a contractor), and called the branch directly. I'm still waiting on the branch to respond directly. I did all that before writing the review. Still waiting on that email. :)

Edit #2: Despite multiple assurances that the local SF office would call me (they can't transfer you),. the local SF office has ghosted me. No calls, no messages. Their SUV nearly stranded me on the bridge with my family, has major engine failure, belching smoke, and they won't even call to...

Returned my Challenger here from SFO. Had about half a tank left, which is about 10 gallons. Generally I'm very trusting with National to do their thing, and I typically leave after dropping it off. However, I got lost in the parking deck, and the attendant called me to get my receipt. I am very glad she did as she charged me for 20 gallons of gas. I asked her to reevaluate, and she just told me to go to the first floor front desk. Before I left, a young male attendant was about to drive off in my car and I went over to confirm there was half a tank left.

I got to the Alamo desk (National office closes at 4pm, wtf?) and told him what happened, so he called the female attendant who told him I had no gas left repeatedly. Thankfully, the young male attendant came to the front office by chance and told him that I had half a tank left. I finally got a receipt that was $40 dollars lower.

I WOULD AVOID THIS LOCATION. I love National in general though. I rent at least 100...

BUYER BEWARE Incredibly disappointed with rental experience at this location. My partner and I were given a 200% surcharge over stated online price on pickup, when we had no other option to accept Car we picked up had an ancient interior with a musky smell, along with an issue starting up correctly that led to safety concerns. Were consistently misled of our options by employees, and passed around customer service online while trying to resolve this issue

I would not recommend National, especially this location, to my worst enemy. Do yourself a favor and book with one of their competitors; National may seem cheaper, but they will pull a bait and switch on you. Save yourself the trouble.

EDIT: I have already spent dozens of emails with that address, no help at all (a new person picks up the ticket each time, no continuity or accountability). Feel free to follow up, case...