If you’re eyeing an early Ultium product like the 2022 GMC Hummer EV, you’re probably wondering how reliable this 9,000‑pound, 1,000‑horsepower science project really is, especially if you’re thinking about buying one used. The short answer on 2022 GMC Hummer EV reliability: it’s wild, it’s capable, and it’s still very much a first‑generation experiment.
Big Picture
Overview: Should You Trust a 2022 Hummer EV?
Reliability is not the reason people buy a 2022 Hummer EV. They buy it for the party tricks, WTF (Watts To Freedom) launches, crab walk, off‑road hardware, and the presence of a rolling concept truck. From a reliability standpoint, you’re dealing with:
- A first‑model‑year vehicle on a brand‑new Ultium battery platform
- Limited production volume, so fewer real‑world data points than mass‑market EVs
- Multiple recalls and a dense list of technical service bulletins (TSBs) for 2022 units
- A curb weight and complexity level that stress every component, from suspension to software
If your top priority is low‑drama, appliance‑like transportation, you’re better off in something like a used Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5. If you’re comfortable being an early adopter and budgeting extra time for service visits, a well‑vetted 2022 Hummer EV can still be a thrilling, if imperfect, ownership experience.
2022 Hummer EV Reliability Snapshot
How Reliable Is the 2022 GMC Hummer EV So Far?
Because the 2022 Hummer EV is low‑volume and relatively new, there isn’t the kind of robust long‑term data you’d see for a Silverado or RAV4. Instead, you piece together reliability from recalls, TSB counts, and owner reports.
Where the 2022 Hummer EV Stands Today
Strengths and weak spots from a reliability perspective
Powertrain Strength
The Ultium battery and motors deliver huge power and so far, when they’re not recall‑related, they’ve generally held up well under normal use.
Software & Electronics
Owners report glitches, lockups, and reboot‑needed events affecting drivability, infotainment, and driver‑assist systems.
Build & Hardware
Issues like roof leaks and trim alignment are more common than you’d like at this price point, though many can be fixed under warranty.
Early-Adopter Reality Check
Common 2022 Hummer EV Problems
Not every 2022 Hummer EV will experience every issue on this list, but if you’re cross‑shopping or inspecting a used one, these are the patterns that matter most.
- Water leaks from the removable Infinity Roof panels
- Battery‑related recall activity tied to Ultium pack sealing and protection
- Software bugs causing drive‑system lockups or requiring 12V battery disconnects to "reboot" the truck
- Various body, trim, and weatherstripping issues that lead to wind noise and minor water intrusion
- High service bulletin count for a long list of calibration updates and minor fixes
Yes, Roof Leaks Are a Theme
Battery and Ultium Platform Issues
The Hummer EV was one of GM’s launch vehicles for its Ultium battery platform. That makes it a critical test case, not just for GMC, but for Cadillac Lyriq, Chevy Blazer EV, Silverado EV, and other models that share similar architecture.
What’s Gone Wrong
- Battery sealing concerns: Early on, GM flagged an issue with how some Ultium packs were sealed, prompting a recall that required pulling packs out of vehicles for inspection and repair.
- Moisture risk: The concern wasn’t that every pack was failing, but that improper sealing could allow moisture in over time, which is the last thing you want in a high‑voltage environment.
- Limited real‑world aging data: We still don’t have 8–10 years of field data on Ultium like we do on Tesla or Nissan’s older packs.
What’s Gone Right
- Strong initial performance: Early owners and testers generally report solid real‑world range relative to the truck’s size and insane tire/wheel package.
- Warranty coverage: GM backs Ultium batteries with a long warranty window, which is critical for early tech.
- Fix‑forward strategy: As issues have surfaced, GM has updated pack sealing, software, and service procedures on newer builds.
Battery Health Tip
Roof Leaks and Structural Quirks
The Hummer EV’s party‑trick roof, removable Infinity panels that turn the cabin into a t‑top greenhouse, is also one of its most visible reliability sore spots.
GMC released a service bulletin for water leaking at the center roof lift‑off panel and weatherstrip on 2022 pickups, instructing dealers to replace specific roof panel assemblies. In practice, owners have reported everything from minor drips to more serious intrusion in heavy rain or car washes.
Used-Buy Roof & Body Inspection Checklist
1. Inspect roof panel seals closely
Look for cracked, pinched, or misaligned weatherstripping around every Infinity Roof panel, especially the center sections called out in GMC’s service bulletin.
2. Check for water staining
Pull back headliner edges (carefully) and inspect A‑pillars, B‑pillars, and rear roof area for water marks or mildew smells.
3. Test with a hose
If the seller is willing, a gentle hose test can quickly reveal obvious leaks around the roof and windshield.
4. Look for panel alignment issues
Misaligned roof panels and doors often go hand‑in‑hand with wind noise complaints. View gaps from multiple angles in good light.
Why Leaks Matter More on an EV
Software Glitches and Electronics
If there’s one pattern that shows up repeatedly in early owner feedback, it’s software instability. When almost everything in the truck, from the shifter to the suspension, is software‑mediated, glitches become reliability issues, not just annoyances.
Typical 2022 Hummer EV Software Symptoms
What owners and technicians report in the field
"Locked" in Park
Some owners report the truck refusing to go into Drive or Reverse until systems are rebooted, sometimes requiring a 12V battery disconnect by a technician.
Infotainment Freezes
The large center screen and Google‑based infotainment can lag, reboot, or freeze, occasionally taking driver‑assist features down with it.
Random Warnings
Intermittent alerts for suspension, steering, or driver‑assist systems that clear on restart but erode confidence in the truck.
Why Calibration Updates Matter
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
No serious reliability conversation about the 2022 Hummer EV is complete without talking about recalls and TSBs. For a low‑volume truck, the number of bulletins is high, roughly 78 TSBs are listed for the 2022 model year across structure, equipment, electronics, and more.
2022 Hummer EV: What Recalls & TSBs Tell You
High‑level view of factory‑acknowledged issues affecting reliability.
| Issue Type | Examples for 2022 Hummer EV | Reliability Impact | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery / High Voltage | Ultium battery sealing and protection recalls, charging‑system software updates | High – battery work is invasive and can sideline the truck for weeks | Confirm recall completion and review service paperwork. |
| Structure & Body | Roof panel leaks, panel fitment, license‑plate bracket and trim bulletins | Medium – mostly comfort and cosmetic, but leaks can cause longer‑term issues | Inspect roof, glass, and body for leaks, wind noise, and fix quality. |
| Electronics & Software | Infotainment, driver‑assist, and control module calibration updates | Medium to High – glitches can affect drivability and user confidence | Ask dealer for a campaign/TSB history printout by VIN. |
| Misc. Equipment | Interior plastics, accessories, documentation bulletins | Low – usually minor but add service‑visit friction | Walk around the truck to confirm everything works as it should. |
Exact campaigns vary by build date and VIN; always run a VIN check before buying used.
How to Check a Hummer EV for Recalls
2022 Hummer EV Depreciation and Resale Value
Reliability and depreciation go hand‑in‑hand. Vehicles with complicated early‑production histories tend to shed value faster, and the 2022 Hummer EV is no exception.
What the Market Is Doing
- Price guides currently peg a typical 2022 Hummer EV pickup resale value around the high‑$50,000s, with trade‑in values in the mid‑$50,000s, depending on mileage and condition.
- Among 2022 pickups, the Hummer EV sits in the 75–100% percentile for depreciation, meaning it’s among the worst performers in value retention for that cohort.
- That slide is partly macro: early COVID‑era markups are unwinding across the market. But complexity, limited buyer pool, and reliability headlines don’t help.
What That Means for You
- As a used buyer, this can actually work in your favor. The truck that stickers well over six figures new can land in a much more approachable range on the secondary market.
- As a future seller, you should budget for continued above‑average depreciation, especially if newer, more efficient Ultium trucks start to undercut it.
- Condition and documented repairs will heavily influence price. A well‑sorted, leak‑free, recall‑complete Hummer EV is the one that will hold value best.
Upside for Used Buyers
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2022 Hummer EV
With an early‑run EV like the 2022 Hummer, the difference between a great purchase and a nightmare is usually in the homework. You want to separate the well‑sorted trucks from the problem children.
Pre‑Purchase Checklist for a 2022 Hummer EV
1. Confirm all open recalls are completed
Ask for a printout from a GM dealer showing recall and campaign status by VIN. Any battery, high‑voltage, or roof‑related campaigns should be completed before you take delivery.
2. Get a battery health report
Beyond standard history reports, you want data on pack health, fast‑charge history, and any high‑voltage repairs. Recharged’s <strong>Recharged Score</strong> includes verified battery diagnostics so you’re not buying blind.
3. Inspect roof and body for leaks
Look for water staining, musty smells, and evidence of panel replacement. Ask specifically whether the Infinity Roof leak bulletin work has been performed and how long ago.
4. Test all drive modes and features
Cycle through normal, off‑road, and Watts To Freedom modes where safe. Make sure steering, suspension, 4‑wheel‑steer and crab walk operate without error messages.
5. Stress‑test software in a long drive
Take an extended test drive with frequent stops and restarts. Watch for screens freezing, random warnings, or the truck refusing to shift into gear.
6. Have a trusted EV‑savvy shop review it
A pre‑purchase inspection by a shop or marketplace that understands EVs and Ultium hardware is worth its weight in peace of mind.
Red Flags to Walk Away From
Who the 2022 Hummer EV Is, and Isn’t, Right For
Good Fit
- Enthusiasts and collectors who want one of the first Ultium halo vehicles and can treat it like a special‑use toy, not a daily beater.
- Short‑commute owners who value the spectacle and can live with occasional service visits and software quirks.
- Tech‑curious buyers comfortable being early adopters and tracking software updates, TSBs, and recall work.
Not a Great Fit
- One‑car households that can’t tolerate downtime during repairs or recall campaigns.
- Heavy long‑distance commuters who need maximum charging efficiency and bulletproof reliability.
- Buyers allergic to risk who would lose sleep over early‑platform uncertainties around long‑term battery aging.
How Recharged Can Help
FAQ: 2022 GMC Hummer EV Reliability
Frequently Asked Questions About 2022 Hummer EV Reliability
Bottom Line on 2022 GMC Hummer EV Reliability
The 2022 GMC Hummer EV is one of the most outrageous, headline‑grabbing EVs on the road, and its reliability story reflects that. As a first‑year, halo‑grade Ultium truck, it carries more recalls, service bulletins, and owner‑reported quirks than a mature mass‑market EV. If you’re shopping used, that doesn’t have to be a deal‑breaker, but it does mean you need to be choosy, data‑driven, and realistic about downtime and depreciation.
If what you want is drama‑free electric transportation, look elsewhere. If what you want is a moonshot truck and you’re comfortable managing the risks, a carefully vetted 2022 Hummer EV can still be worth it, especially at today’s used prices. Just make sure you’re buying one with its homework done. A marketplace like Recharged, with battery health diagnostics, transparent pricing, and EV‑specialist support, can tilt the odds of a good ownership experience in your favor.
