diff --git a/salt/cloud/clouds/joyent.py b/salt/cloud/clouds/joyent.py
index 63af922ef5..f4d8fcb744 100644
--- a/salt/cloud/clouds/joyent.py
+++ b/salt/cloud/clouds/joyent.py
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@ def query_instance(vm_=None, call=None):
 
         if isinstance(data, dict) and 'error' in data:
             log.warn(
-                'There was an error in the query. {0}'.format(data['error'])
+                'There was an error in the query. {0}'.format(data.get('error'))
             )
             # Trigger a failure in the wait for IP function
             return False