diff --git a/client/driver/docker.go b/client/driver/docker.go
index 870c69069..844c9cff8 100644
--- a/client/driver/docker.go
+++ b/client/driver/docker.go
@@ -1103,7 +1103,7 @@ CREATE:
 	} else if strings.Contains(strings.ToLower(createErr.Error()), "no such image") {
 		// There is still a very small chance this is possible even with the
 		// coordinator so retry.
-		structs.NewRecoverableError(createErr, true)
+		return nil, structs.NewRecoverableError(createErr, true)
 	}
 
 	return nil, recoverableErrTimeouts(createErr)