FC
First Car Rental
Claimed Business
FC
First Car Rental
Claimed Business
66 Reviews (last 12 months)
Does not respond to reviews
Rated in:
Scores reflect the Overall AI Score for each category
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, First Car Rental faces severe criticism across virtually every aspect of the customer experience. Deposit refund failures and hidden charges dominate complaints, with customers consistently reporting funds held for weeks or months. Communication breakdowns, vehicle quality concerns, and staff conduct issues compound the problem. A small number of positive branch experiences exist, but the overwhelming pattern is one of frustration and distrust.
Top Strengths:
- •Staff Professionalism & Conduct: A handful of branches earn praise, with customers naming specific staff like Sisipho, Buntle, Vuyani, and Jacques for warm, professional service. Positive interactions are memorable but rare across the broader network.
Service Quality Ratings
MetricScoreIndustry AvgBest in Class
Performance(last 12 months):
TrustIndex
0
Score
Ranking
#7
in Car Rental
NPS Score
-71
Recommended: Unlikely
Review Distribution
1.8|66 Reviews
May '25 - Apr '26
5(14.5%)
4(4.8%)
3(1.6%)
2(4.8%)
1(74.2%)
5(14.5%)
4(4.8%)
3(1.6%)
2(4.8%)
1(74.2%)
Recent reviews (66)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperiencePopular mentions
JP
J P
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
14 Mar 2026, 11:01
Poor Customer Service - Cape Town International Airport
Car rented at Cape Town International Airport. Follow up customer service is poor. Cannot get a hold of anyone. The car provided has no power, GPS does not work, no rev counter. The car provided is not a safe car to drive.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)JP
J P
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
14 Mar 2026, 11:01
Poor Customer Service - Cape Town International Airport
Car rented at Cape Town International Airport. Follow up customer service is poor. Cannot get a hold of anyone. The car provided has no power, GPS does not work, no rev counter. The car provided is not a safe car to drive.
0
Replies (0)TS
VK
Vhulahani K
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
8 Feb 2026, 07:33
Unhappy, confused and disappointed client
On the 24 July 2024 my car was booked for Panelbeaters and my insurance rented me a courtsey car from First Car Rental company reference number 4459854 . On the 06 August 2024 I was involved in an accident while driving the courtsey car from First Car Rental company, Accident report number: e3471/9999/08/2024. I notified the First Car Rental about the incident and explained to them that the car is not driveable it was bumped on the left side on the front wheel. They asked me to send the pictures of car and of the one I was involved with which I did. They booked me a breakdown vehicle to tow the car to their depot and l paid the fee for the breakdown, when I arrived at their depot office I was told to pay an access amount of R5272, 80 including the admin fee. Which l paid. On the 23 January 2026 I was called into my HR office when I arrived I was handed over the summons documents which stated that the driver I was involved in an accident with, institutes action against me and the document states that I have to file with the clerk of court in the magistrate' court for the sub district of Randburg held at Randburg. On 23 January 2026 l sent an email to First Car Rental informing them about the matter. I made some follow-up with them and on the 30 January 2026 I received an email from them stating that "they will relook at the claim against on Monday and revert" until today I'm still waiting. I urgently need assistance because the 20 days notice will be ending on the 11 February 2026. Your assistance will be highly appreciated.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)VK
Vhulahani K
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
8 Feb 2026, 07:33
Unhappy, confused and disappointed client
On the 24 July 2024 my car was booked for Panelbeaters and my insurance rented me a courtsey car from First Car Rental company reference number 4459854 . On the 06 August 2024 I was involved in an accident while driving the courtsey car from First Car Rental company, Accident report number: e3471/9999/08/2024. I notified the First Car Rental about the incident and explained to them that the car is not driveable it was bumped on the left side on the front wheel. They asked me to send the pictures of car and of the one I was involved with which I did. They booked me a breakdown vehicle to tow the car to their depot and l paid the fee for the breakdown, when I arrived at their depot office I was told to pay an access amount of R5272, 80 including the admin fee. Which l paid. On the 23 January 2026 I was called into my HR office when I arrived I was handed over the summons documents which stated that the driver I was involved in an accident with, institutes action against me and the document states that I have to file with the clerk of court in the magistrate' court for the sub district of Randburg held at Randburg. On 23 January 2026 l sent an email to First Car Rental informing them about the matter. I made some follow-up with them and on the 30 January 2026 I received an email from them stating that "they will relook at the claim against on Monday and revert" until today I'm still waiting. I urgently need assistance because the 20 days notice will be ending on the 11 February 2026. Your assistance will be highly appreciated.
0
Replies (0)SM
FvdM
Francois van der Merwe
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
21 Jan 2026, 13:50
Good service from First Car Rental at Cape Town Airport
Efficient service at the desk. Very helpful staff at the collection and drop-off areas. Competitive price. Vehicle met expectations. Two small problems: 1. There was a small defect (missed by their QA) on the first car issued to me, but this was quickly remedied by supplying a new car. 2. There was no water in the window washer.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)FvdM
Francois van der Merwe
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
21 Jan 2026, 13:50
Good service from First Car Rental at Cape Town Airport
Efficient service at the desk. Very helpful staff at the collection and drop-off areas. Competitive price. Vehicle met expectations. Two small problems: 1. There was a small defect (missed by their QA) on the first car issued to me, but this was quickly remedied by supplying a new car. 2. There was no water in the window washer.
0
Replies (0)FvdM
Francois van der Merwe
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
21 Jan 2026, 13:44
Good service on car rental
Efficient service at the desk. Very helpful staff at the collection and drop-off areas. Competitive price. Vehicle met expectations. Two small problems: 1. There was a small defect (missed by their QA) on the first car issued to me, but this was quickly remedied by supplying a new car. 2. There was no water in the window washer.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)FvdM
Francois van der Merwe
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
21 Jan 2026, 13:44
Good service on car rental
Efficient service at the desk. Very helpful staff at the collection and drop-off areas. Competitive price. Vehicle met expectations. Two small problems: 1. There was a small defect (missed by their QA) on the first car issued to me, but this was quickly remedied by supplying a new car. 2. There was no water in the window washer.
0
Replies (0)BH
Brandon H
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
20 Jan 2026, 08:39
Hidden Costs & Overt Nonsense
Hidden costs EVERYWHERE. It's ridiculous actually. If you can go with someone else, do it. These guys will nickel and dime you for everything you're worth and then take 3 months to release the absolutely nonsense hold they put on funds. Be very aware.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)BH
Brandon H
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
20 Jan 2026, 08:39
Hidden Costs & Overt Nonsense
Hidden costs EVERYWHERE. It's ridiculous actually. If you can go with someone else, do it. These guys will nickel and dime you for everything you're worth and then take 3 months to release the absolutely nonsense hold they put on funds. Be very aware.
0
Replies (0)CC
Carlos C
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
19 Jan 2026, 18:15
All of a sudden upfront payment request when booking through Flysafair
Over many year, we’ve booked online through Flysafair without any upfront payment request!!! Now, all of a sudden we must pay upfront and if we dont pay they cancelled the booking!! Great Services First, we will now go to your competitors next door.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)CC
Carlos C
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
19 Jan 2026, 18:15
All of a sudden upfront payment request when booking through Flysafair
Over many year, we’ve booked online through Flysafair without any upfront payment request!!! Now, all of a sudden we must pay upfront and if we dont pay they cancelled the booking!! Great Services First, we will now go to your competitors next door.
0
Replies (0)