diff --git a/selfdrive/car/fw_versions.py b/selfdrive/car/fw_versions.py
index 73ae72ae20..9193dab410 100755
--- a/selfdrive/car/fw_versions.py
+++ b/selfdrive/car/fw_versions.py
@@ -119,6 +119,9 @@ def match_fw_to_car_exact(live_fw_versions, match_brand=None, log=True, extra_fw
 
   for candidate, fws in candidates.items():
     config = FW_QUERY_CONFIGS[MODEL_TO_BRAND[candidate]]
+    if not len(fws):
+      invalid.add(candidate)
+
     for ecu, expected_versions in fws.items():
       expected_versions = expected_versions + extra_fw_versions.get(candidate, {}).get(ecu, [])
       ecu_type = ecu[0]