diff --git a/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath11k/core.c b/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath11k/core.c
index b0c71b5879b1..37d4ecb458db 100644
--- a/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath11k/core.c
+++ b/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath11k/core.c
@@ -539,6 +539,7 @@ err_core_stop:
 	ath11k_core_stop(ab);
 err_dp_free:
 	ath11k_dp_free(ab);
+	mutex_unlock(&ab->core_lock);
 	return ret;
 }