diff --git a/panda/src/downloader/httpClient.cxx b/panda/src/downloader/httpClient.cxx
index 3fa1b1d281..c47e2a1620 100644
--- a/panda/src/downloader/httpClient.cxx
+++ b/panda/src/downloader/httpClient.cxx
@@ -723,7 +723,9 @@ load_verify_locations(SSL_CTX *ctx, const Filename &ca_file) {
 
   // We have to be sure and clear the OpenSSL error state before we
   // call this function, or it will get confused.
+#ifdef REPORT_OPENSSL_ERRORS
   ERR_clear_error();
+#endif
   inf = PEM_X509_INFO_read_bio(mbio, NULL, NULL, NULL);
   BIO_free(mbio);