diff --git a/selfdrive/pandad/pandad.cc b/selfdrive/pandad/pandad.cc
index 15e3750e5a..8997bb44bd 100644
--- a/selfdrive/pandad/pandad.cc
+++ b/selfdrive/pandad/pandad.cc
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 #include <cassert>
 #include <cerrno>
 #include <chrono>
+#include <fstream>
 #include <future>
 #include <memory>
 #include <thread>
@@ -495,6 +496,11 @@ void panda_state_thread(std::vector<Panda *> pandas, bool spoofing_started) {
 
   // reset the safety mode to avoid faulting the car
   LOGE("EXITED!");
+
+  std::ofstream f;
+  f.open("/data/pandad_exited.txt", std::ios_base::app);
+  f << "exited\n";
+
   if (is_onroad && !engaged) {
     for (auto &p : pandas) {
       p->set_safety_model(cereal::CarParams::SafetyModel::NO_OUTPUT);