diff --git a/pkg/controller/service/controller.go b/pkg/controller/service/controller.go
index f3c3f2d9b51..b6908c1f446 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/service/controller.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/service/controller.go
@@ -351,6 +351,10 @@ func (s *Controller) syncLoadBalancerIfNeeded(service *v1.Service, key string) (
 			}
 			return op, fmt.Errorf("failed to ensure load balancer: %v", err)
 		}
+		if newStatus == nil {
+			return op, fmt.Errorf("service status returned by EnsureLoadBalancer is nil")
+		}
+
 		s.eventRecorder.Event(service, v1.EventTypeNormal, "EnsuredLoadBalancer", "Ensured load balancer")
 	}