diff --git a/joint_trajectory_controller/test/test_trajectory_controller_utils.hpp b/joint_trajectory_controller/test/test_trajectory_controller_utils.hpp
index 0d91224193..a850891331 100644
--- a/joint_trajectory_controller/test/test_trajectory_controller_utils.hpp
+++ b/joint_trajectory_controller/test/test_trajectory_controller_utils.hpp
@@ -400,7 +400,9 @@ class TrajectoryControllerTest : public ::testing::Test
         traj_controller_->get_lifecycle_state().id() ==
         lifecycle_msgs::msg::State::PRIMARY_STATE_ACTIVE)
       {
-        traj_controller_->get_node()->deactivate();
+        EXPECT_EQ(
+          traj_controller_->get_node()->deactivate().id(),
+          lifecycle_msgs::msg::State::PRIMARY_STATE_INACTIVE);
       }
     }
   }