Customer Reviews (100)

manbat * • 2025-03-21T05:17:36.188Z

Works!

Supaman Repairs • 2025-03-19T05:05:39.990Z

Works great for all my dodge's, rams chargers and Chryslers! But man! Wish we can get an update for more vehicle brands 😭😭😭😭 been using this full Alfa for almost 4 years. Still no compatible car updates !! DEVELOPERS! HELP! still 5 stars 🤩

GHOST ALPHA (GHOST) • 2025-03-17T21:18:36.879Z

I love this app but I would like to know how to change the gauges/graphs from metric to imperial I cannot figure it out even with following online guides

Summary of Key Insights

AlfaOBD is a powerful diagnostic tool primarily aimed at owners of Stellantis (FCA) vehicles. It offers dealer-level diagnostic and configuration procedures, enabling users to perform tasks like key programming, enabling features, and troubleshooting issues that would otherwise require a trip to the dealership. While the app is generally well-received and considered a valuable tool, compatibility issues with certain vehicles and OBD interfaces, occasional connection problems, and a lack of imperial unit support are recurring pain points. The overall sentiment is positive, with a high percentage of 5-star reviews, but the negative reviews highlight critical usability and reliability concerns.

  • Strengths: Powerful diagnostic capabilities, cost savings compared to dealership services, feature enabling.
  • Weaknesses: Compatibility issues (vehicles and OBD interfaces), connection problems, lack of imperial units, unresponsive support in some cases, clunky interface reported by some.
  • Overall Sentiment: Positive, with a strong user base appreciating the app's functionality.
  • Overall Rating: Appears to be around 4.3 out of 5 based on the review distribution
  • Score Distribution: 1-star: 21%, 2-star: 5%, 3-star: 2%, 4-star: 9%, 5-star: 63%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but assumed to be recent based on the version number (2.4.1.0) and the presence of reviews mentioning 2024 models.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (manual assessment based on review text), keyword extraction (identifying frequently used terms related to issues, features, and sentiment), and thematic analysis (grouping reviews based on common themes).

Key User Pain Points

  • Compatibility Issues:
    • Incompatibility with certain vehicle models (e.g., 2019 RAM, 2024 ProMaster) despite being advertised as supported.
    • Incompatibility with specific OBD interfaces, even when recommended by the developer.
  • Connection Problems:
    • Difficulty connecting to the vehicle's ECU, resulting in "Interface reports NO DATA" or "CAN ERROR" messages.
    • Bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Lack of Imperial Units:
    • The inability to switch gauges and graphs from metric to imperial units is a common frustration.
  • Bricking Vehicles/Causing Errors:
    • A few users reported that using the app caused significant errors or even rendered their vehicle unusable, requiring professional diagnostics to fix.
  • Unresponsive Support:
    • Some users reported a lack of response from the developer's support email after encountering issues.
  • Refund Issues:
    • Users unable to get refunds for a non-functional product.
  • License Key Issues:
    • Difficulties transferring license to PC after purchasing on mobile.

Frequently Requested Features

  • More Vehicle Brands Support: Several users requested support for other vehicle brands beyond Stellantis (FCA).
  • Imperial Unit Option: The ability to switch between metric and imperial units for gauges and graphs.
  • Support for New Models: Faster updates to support the latest vehicle models (e.g., Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer).
  • Improved Interface: Some users found the interface clunky and difficult to use.
  • DTC Editor: Request for missing DTC editor functionality.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Powerful Diagnostic Capabilities: Users appreciate the app's ability to perform dealer-level diagnostics and configuration procedures.
  • Cost Savings: The app saves users significant money compared to dealership service costs.
  • Feature Enabling: Users can enable hidden features or customize vehicle settings (e.g., enabling fog lights, remote start, changing tire size).
  • Ease of Use (for some): Some users find the app easy to use, especially for basic tasks.
  • Value for Money: Many users consider the app a great value for the price, especially when it resolves issues or enables features that would otherwise be expensive.
  • Native Support: Native support of FCA ECUs is a key differentiator.
  • Key Fob Programming: Successful key fob programming is a frequent positive mention.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Improve Vehicle and OBD Interface Compatibility: Thoroughly test and document compatible vehicles and OBD interfaces. Provide clear guidance on selecting the correct interface and troubleshooting connection issues.
    • Address "Bricking" Issues: Investigate and resolve the issues that cause the app to malfunction and potentially damage vehicle systems. Implement safeguards to prevent critical errors.
    • Improve Support Responsiveness: Ensure timely and helpful responses to user inquiries, especially regarding critical issues.
    • Implement Imperial Units: Add an option to switch between metric and imperial units.
  • Medium Priority:
    • Enhance User Interface: Simplify the interface and improve usability, addressing the "clunky" feedback.
    • Expand Vehicle Support: Prioritize adding support for newer vehicle models and consider expanding support to other brands based on demand.
    • Improve Error Handling: Provide more informative error messages and guidance on resolving common issues.
    • Address Refund Issues: Streamline the refund process for users who encounter significant problems with the app.
  • Low Priority:
    • DTC Editor: Consider adding a DTC editor based on user demand.
    • USB Connection Improvements: Improve stability of USB connections.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • OBD Interface Recommendation Service: A service that helps users identify the optimal OBD interface for their specific vehicle and needs, potentially integrated with the AlfaOBD app.
  • AlfaOBD Training/Tutorial Platform: An online platform offering tutorials, guides, and troubleshooting tips for using AlfaOBD effectively.
  • Automated Compatibility Checker: A tool that allows users to enter their vehicle information and OBD interface to check for compatibility before purchasing the app.
  • Enhanced Diagnostic Reporting: A service that provides detailed, easy-to-understand reports based on AlfaOBD diagnostic data, offering insights and recommendations for vehicle maintenance.

Trends and Observations

  • Language Preferences: The app supports multiple languages, indicating a global user base.
  • Vehicle Model Specific Issues: Compatibility issues appear to be more prevalent with newer vehicle models, suggesting a need for more frequent updates.
  • Positive Sentiment Driven by Feature Enabling: A significant portion of positive reviews highlight the app's ability to enable features or perform customizations that would otherwise require expensive dealership services.
  • Impact of Security Gateways: The presence of SGW modules in newer FCA vehicles is a recurring theme, highlighting the importance of using SGW bypass cables.

Conclusion

AlfaOBD is a valuable tool for owners of Stellantis vehicles, offering powerful diagnostic and configuration capabilities. However, compatibility issues, connection problems, and occasional critical errors detract from the user experience. Addressing these pain points through improved testing, better error handling, and enhanced support will significantly improve user satisfaction and solidify AlfaOBD's position as a leading diagnostic app. Focusing on expanding vehicle support and adding requested features like imperial units will further enhance its appeal.

Overall Recommendation: AlfaOBD is recommended for users comfortable with automotive diagnostics and willing to troubleshoot potential compatibility issues. However, potential buyers should carefully research compatibility with their specific vehicle and OBD interface before purchasing. The developers should prioritize addressing the identified pain points to improve the app's reliability and usability.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.AlfaOBD.AlfaOBD