Most car rentals in Montenegro go well. But when something goes wrong, it tends to be one of the same few issues. Here's what we see in renter reviews — and how to make sure it doesn't happen to you.
You might not get the car you booked
This is the single most common complaint. The car in the listing isn't always the car at the airport. Usually it's the same class or better — Bartosz 🇵🇱 booked a Renault Megane and got a BMW 1 Series. Valdis 🇱🇻 booked a Citroën C4 and got a VW Golf 7 — "a similar and suitable replacement."
But sometimes the swap isn't what you wanted. Taras 🇺🇦 chose a specific car after a long search and got something he'd already rejected on the website. Parviz 🇦🇿 was told the car he booked was already taken — "this was the only car he had left."
How to avoid it: Message the owner before your trip to confirm the exact model. If it matters — automatic vs. manual, engine size, luggage space — put it in writing on WhatsApp. Some owners, like Katerina 🇨🇿's, will contact you beforehand to confirm any swap.
Late pickups at the airport
Summer traffic around Tivat and Podgorica can delay everything. Stefanie 🇧🇪 waited almost two hours at Tivat Airport in August. Her pickup was scheduled for 9:30 AM — the person arrived at 11:10. She used the time for a drink on the terrace and doesn't hold a grudge, but her advice is clear: don't plan anything tight right after landing.
Marina 🇷🇺 had a similar experience at Podgorica — no one waiting, no sign, and the airport Wi-Fi barely worked to reach the owner. The person showed up after an hour.
How to avoid it: Don't schedule a tight connection or hotel check-in immediately after your flight. Give yourself a buffer of 1–2 hours, especially in July–August. If your owner is running late, you'll get a WhatsApp message — keep the app open.
Cross-border paperwork that isn't sorted
If you plan to drive to Albania, Croatia, or Bosnia, you need a green card — an international insurance document that proves the car is covered abroad. Most owners arrange it. Some don't.
Henriikka 🇫🇮 confirmed everything at pickup. At the Albanian border, officers told her the insurance wasn't valid. The owner's advice? Pay "coffee money" to the border officers. She bought proper insurance for €50 instead.
How to avoid it: Don't take the owner's word at pickup. Ask to see the green card yourself and check that it lists every country you plan to visit. Albania usually requires separate border insurance — confirm whether the owner arranges it or you need to buy it at the crossing. Vadims 🇱🇻 had his owner Goran prepare all cross-border documents before pickup. Zero issues.
Cash-only surprise at pickup
The booking advance is paid online through TakeCars. The remaining balance is paid to the owner at pickup — and some owners only accept cash in euros.
Andrew 🇬🇧 arrived without enough cash. The situation got tense — the person collecting the car was unhelpful, and there was an unexpected cleaning charge on top. Layan was asked to pay the full price in cash, with a promise that the online payment would be refunded. It wasn't — she ended up paying €80 extra.
How to avoid it: Check the payment method on your voucher before you fly. If it says cash, bring enough euros. If you're unsure, message the owner to confirm. Don't rely on finding an ATM at a small airport.
Mechanical issues mid-trip
Most rental cars in Montenegro work fine. But some renters report warning lights, weak brakes, or engines that struggle on mountain roads.
Aleksei 🇷🇺 had a check engine light for the entire trip, random power loss while accelerating, and airbag warnings. When he got a flat tire, the wrench in the car didn't fit. Daria 🇺🇦 had a gearbox fail on day three — the car rolled backward on inclines. The replacement had a broken mirror and no working headlights.
Less dramatic but still annoying: Nina 🇺🇸 had a battery die three times in four days. Pavel 🇷🇺 found the air conditioning didn't work and the headlights were dim.
How to avoid it: Inspect the car at pickup. Turn on the engine, check the dashboard for warning lights, test the AC, headlights, and wipers. Look at the tires — Carl 🇩🇰 discovered both front wheels were spare tires with a missing bolt. That's dangerous and shouldn't happen, but you'll only catch it if you look. Take photos of everything before you drive off.
Bad fuel
This one is Montenegro-specific. Some fuel stations have been known to sell low-quality or adulterated petrol. Rhidian 🇬🇧 got an engine warning light near Perast — his owner told him it's a known issue from bad fuel at certain stations.
How to avoid it: Stick to well-known fuel brands. Avoid the cheapest no-name stations, especially in smaller towns. If a warning light comes on after refueling, contact your owner — they'll usually know if it's a fuel issue.
Tire problems
Mountain roads in Montenegro are hard on tires. Several renters have reported worn tires, mismatched sets, or flats on serpentine roads.
Carl 🇩🇰 found two spare tires on the front axle — limited to 80 km/h and missing a bolt. He wasn't told. Aleksei 🇷🇺 got a flat and discovered the wrench didn't work. Nina 🇫🇮 had tires so worn that driving in rain became dangerous.
How to avoid it: Check the tires at pickup. Look for tread depth, cracks, and whether all four tires match. If you're driving to Durmitor, Lovćen, or any mountain route, this isn't optional — it's a safety check.
Cleaning charges at return
A few renters were hit with unexpected cleaning fees. Husam 🇮🇶 was charged €30 for a car he says was clean. Andrew 🇬🇧 was told to clean the car specifically in Budva — no other option accepted.
How to avoid it: Return the car in the condition you received it. If it was clean at pickup, clean it before return. Take photos when you pick up the car — interior and exterior — so you have proof of the original condition.
What to do if something goes wrong
- Contact your owner on WhatsApp. Most problems get solved fast this way. Owners like Łukasz's 🇵🇱 sent help within minutes for a flat tire.
- Contact TakeCars support. If the owner isn't responsive or the situation is serious, TakeCars can step in.
- Document everything. Photos, screenshots of messages, timestamps. If there's a dispute about damage or charges, this is what protects you.
- Don't pay extra charges you didn't agree to. If a cleaning fee or insurance add-on wasn't in your contract, you're not obligated to pay it. Check your voucher.
