diff --git a/mantle/kola/tests/ignition/systemd.go b/mantle/kola/tests/ignition/systemd.go
index 35c6df5f77..26056c1a50 100644
--- a/mantle/kola/tests/ignition/systemd.go
+++ b/mantle/kola/tests/ignition/systemd.go
@@ -56,5 +56,5 @@ func init() {
 func enableSystemdService(c cluster.TestCluster) {
 	m := c.Machines()[0]
 
-	c.AssertCmdOutputContains(m, "systemctl status nfs-server.service", "inactive")
+	c.AssertCmdOutputContains(m, "systemctl show -p ActiveState nfs-server.service", "ActiveState=active")
 }