diff --git a/llm_server/routes/v1/generate.py b/llm_server/routes/v1/generate.py
index 6f7ee3a..2abbd4d 100644
--- a/llm_server/routes/v1/generate.py
+++ b/llm_server/routes/v1/generate.py
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ def generate():
     # with wait_in_queue_elapsed_lock:
     #     wait_in_queue_elapsed.append((end_time, elapsed_time))
 
-    if not success:
+    if not success or not response:
         if opts.mode == 'oobabooga':
             backend_response = format_sillytavern_err(f'Failed to reach the backend ({opts.mode}): {error_msg}', 'error')
             response_json_body = {