Woman Finds Live Cockroach in Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Car on Delivery Day

A Florida woman purchased a 2021 Toyota Corolla over the Easter weekend, which bore Toyota’s “Gold-Certified” designation. On the day she took delivery of the vehicle, she discovered live cockroaches inside—including nymph-stage specimens—and reported feeling cockroaches crawling on her legs while driving, nearly causing an accident. The woman said she immediately contacted the dealership after the purchase to report the issue. She claimed dealership staff questioned whether the cockroaches had entered the car after she took possession and did not acknowledge that the infestation existed at the time of delivery. She also noted that the vehicle was supposedly detailed twice before sale and, according to Toyota’s official website, “Gold-Certified” vehicles must pass a 106-point quality inspection and come with a complimentary Carfax report. Because the issue arose just before the Easter holiday, she wasn’t able to speak with dealership management until the next business day—but they refused her request for professional pest extermination and deep cleaning by a third party. She shared her experience in a social media video, showing live cockroaches inside the glove compartment and emphasizing that the account reflected her personal experience. The video garnered tens of thousands of views, with commenters expressing widespread concern and advising her to contact Toyota’s corporate headquarters directly, seek media attention, or pursue consumer protection channels. The woman says she has since reached out to Toyota’s executive office, and relevant parties are coordinating a resolution. In the meantime, she has taken pest control measures herself. According to Orkin, a pest control company, cockroach nymphs take 24 to 38 days to hatch from eggs—longer than the time she has owned the vehicle.