diff --git a/drivers/char/virtio_console.c b/drivers/char/virtio_console.c
index 684b0d53764f..ee4dbeafb377 100644
--- a/drivers/char/virtio_console.c
+++ b/drivers/char/virtio_console.c
@@ -2062,7 +2062,8 @@ static void virtcons_remove(struct virtio_device *vdev)
 	/* Disable interrupts for vqs */
 	vdev->config->reset(vdev);
 	/* Finish up work that's lined up */
-	cancel_work_sync(&portdev->control_work);
+	if (use_multiport(portdev))
+		cancel_work_sync(&portdev->control_work);
 
 	list_for_each_entry_safe(port, port2, &portdev->ports, list)
 		unplug_port(port);