diff --git a/roles/container-engine/validate-container-engine/tasks/main.yml b/roles/container-engine/validate-container-engine/tasks/main.yml
index 0cd7d3623..22596e17c 100644
--- a/roles/container-engine/validate-container-engine/tasks/main.yml
+++ b/roles/container-engine/validate-container-engine/tasks/main.yml
@@ -63,6 +63,8 @@
         apply:
           tags:
             - pre-remove
+      when:
+        - kubelet_systemd_unit_exists
     - name: Stop kubelet
       service:
         name: kubelet
@@ -89,6 +91,8 @@
         apply:
           tags:
             - pre-remove
+      when:
+        - kubelet_systemd_unit_exists
     - name: Stop kubelet
       service:
         name: kubelet
@@ -114,6 +118,8 @@
         apply:
           tags:
             - pre-remove
+      when:
+        - kubelet_systemd_unit_exists
     - name: Stop kubelet
       service:
         name: kubelet