diff --git a/zebra/interface.c b/zebra/interface.c
index fbd2aac005..cefc39ab46 100644
--- a/zebra/interface.c
+++ b/zebra/interface.c
@@ -224,9 +224,13 @@ static int if_zebra_new_hook(struct interface *ifp)
 static void if_nhg_dependents_check_valid(struct nhg_hash_entry *nhe)
 {
 	zebra_nhg_check_valid(nhe);
-	if (!CHECK_FLAG(nhe->flags, NEXTHOP_GROUP_VALID))
-		/* Assuming uninstalled as well here */
-		UNSET_FLAG(nhe->flags, NEXTHOP_GROUP_INSTALLED);
+	if (!CHECK_FLAG(nhe->flags, NEXTHOP_GROUP_VALID)) {
+		/* If we're in shutdown, this interface event needs to clean
+		 * up installed NHGs, so don't clear that flag directly.
+		 */
+		if (!zrouter.in_shutdown)
+			UNSET_FLAG(nhe->flags, NEXTHOP_GROUP_INSTALLED);
+	}
 }
 
 static void if_down_nhg_dependents(const struct interface *ifp)