diff --git a/src/node_device/node_device_driver.c b/src/node_device/node_device_driver.c
index 14b309898b..21a4c8de30 100644
--- a/src/node_device/node_device_driver.c
+++ b/src/node_device/node_device_driver.c
@@ -720,6 +720,8 @@ nodeDeviceDestroy(virNodeDevicePtr dev)
     }
 
 out:
+    if (obj)
+        virNodeDeviceObjUnlock(obj);
     VIR_FREE(parent_name);
     VIR_FREE(wwnn);
     VIR_FREE(wwpn);