Mike Nelson demonstrates use of xAI Grok chatbot in Tesla, raising distraction concerns
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Apr 25
Mike Nelson demonstrates use of xAI Grok chatbot in Tesla, raising distraction concerns
6 articles · Updated · CNBC · Apr 25
Nelson, a lawyer and Tesla Model Y owner in New York, has used Grok for months, often while Full Self-Driving is engaged.
He finds Grok entertaining but warns it increases driver distraction and sometimes gives incorrect or confusing responses, even about its own features.
Experts highlight that AI chatbots may worsen distracted driving risks, and Grok's NSFW mode has also raised concerns about minors' access to adult content in vehicles.
Will global regulators force a recall of cars with powerful, general-purpose AI chatbots?
How can automakers guarantee child safety with AI that has created harmful content?
Could your private conversations with your car's AI be used against you in court?
If Tesla's AI causes a crash, who is legally responsible: the driver, Tesla, or the AI's developer?
Is putting an unpredictable AI in cars an innovation or a fatal design flaw?
After its safety team exodus, can xAI's claims about its AI's safety be trusted?
Grok AI Debut in Europe: Tesla’s Struggle with Falling Sales, Safety Risks, and Legal Battles
Overview
In early 2026, Tesla launched its Grok AI assistant across nine European countries amid a sharp decline in its regional sales and growing competition from BYD, which had become the world's largest electric vehicle seller. Grok requires advanced hardware and a paid connectivity subscription, offering customizable voice personalities but raising safety concerns about driver distraction and minors accessing mature content. These issues triggered formal investigations by European authorities, including raids and legal actions against Tesla's parent company. Despite these challenges, Tesla is investing heavily in Grok's future, aiming to integrate it deeper into vehicle controls and robotics, while navigating strict regulations and market pressures.