diff --git a/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath12k/mac.c b/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath12k/mac.c
index 8f139505019c..095b49a39683 100644
--- a/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath12k/mac.c
+++ b/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath12k/mac.c
@@ -5059,7 +5059,8 @@ static int ath12k_mac_initiate_hw_scan(struct ieee80211_hw *hw,
 		ret = ath12k_mac_vdev_create(ar, arvif);
 		if (ret) {
 			ath12k_warn(ar->ab, "unable to create scan vdev %d\n", ret);
-			return -EINVAL;
+			ath12k_mac_unassign_link_vif(arvif);
+			return ret;
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -12895,6 +12896,7 @@ static int ath12k_mac_op_remain_on_channel(struct ieee80211_hw *hw,
 		if (ret) {
 			ath12k_warn(ar->ab, "unable to create scan vdev for roc: %d\n",
 				    ret);
+			ath12k_mac_unassign_link_vif(arvif);
 			return ret;
 		}
 	}