The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning residents in Thunder Bay, Ontario, about a dangerous social media trend that involves people loosening the wheel nuts on parked vehicles. This warning follows a recent report on March 25, 2026, about the “Lug Nut Challenge,” a trend where individuals tamper with cars belonging to strangers.
The challenge involves loosening or removing the nuts on a wheel, usually the front left tire, which can cause the wheel to fall off while the car is moving. This behaviour creates a serious risk of life-threatening accidents for drivers and passengers. Similar warnings were issued by the Fort William First Nation on January 18, 2026, after concerns the trend was spreading through Northwestern Ontario communities like Dryden and Kenora.
While some research suggests the trend may not be widespread on social media, there have been real-world reports of vehicles being tampered with in other provinces. One driver in Quebec recently discovered that four out of five nuts had been loosened on a family vehicle that had infant car seats inside. Auto mechanics in other regions have also reported several cars arriving at shops with wheels that were nearly detached.
Police state that anyone caught tampering with a vehicle faces criminal charges for mischief under the Criminal Code of Canada. If the tampering endangers someone’s life, the person responsible could face even more serious legal consequences, including charges for criminal negligence.
Residents are encouraged to check their wheels before driving and report any suspicious activity around parked cars to the police immediately. Drivers should listen for any loud or unusual noises coming from underneath their vehicle while on the road, as this could be a sign that the wheel nuts are loose.
