diff --git a/selfdrive/controls/controlsd.py b/selfdrive/controls/controlsd.py
index f2f9cef862..b0721266a4 100755
--- a/selfdrive/controls/controlsd.py
+++ b/selfdrive/controls/controlsd.py
@@ -373,7 +373,7 @@ class Controls:
     else:
       self.logged_comm_issue = None
 
-    if not self.sm['liveParameters'].valid and not TESTING_CLOSET:
+    if not self.sm['liveParameters'].valid and not TESTING_CLOSET and not SIMULATION:
       self.events.add(EventName.vehicleModelInvalid)
     if not self.sm['lateralPlan'].mpcSolutionValid:
       self.events.add(EventName.plannerError)