Sixt Charged Me €1600 for Invisible Damage After Drop-Off in Germany

I’ve been a loyal Sixt customer for years, renting vehicles in various countries without any issues—until now. On my most recent rental, I picked up a car in Trier, Germany, and dropped it off at Düsseldorf Airport. After returning to Turkey, I was shocked to receive a damage report stating that a 3 cm scratch had been detected on the vehicle.

They claim this damage was found using an X-ray scanner at the airport, which I—as the customer—could not possibly have seen with the naked eye. Even the photo they provided shows no visible damage. There was no mention of any issue during handover, and no such detection system existed in Trier, where I first received the vehicle.

Now I’m being held liable and billed €1600 for a mark I was never aware of, and that I strongly believe was not caused during my rental period. I explained the situation in English, but I’ve received no resolution. When I contacted Sixt Turkey, they told me they only handle reservations and cannot help with global rental disputes.

As someone who rents from Sixt at least twice a year, I’m incredibly disappointed and no longer trust the brand. I expect this case to be re-evaluated fairly, and this unfair charge to be withdrawn immediately. This experience has shaken my confidence in Sixt’s integrity and customer care.