diff --git a/machines/src/mysql_vm_helpers.py b/machines/src/mysql_vm_helpers.py
index 658b2bc35..3eb4fa4d1 100644
--- a/machines/src/mysql_vm_helpers.py
+++ b/machines/src/mysql_vm_helpers.py
@@ -339,7 +339,7 @@ def initialise_mysqld(self) -> None:
 
         try:
             self.reset_data_dir()
-            subprocess.run(bootstrap_command)  # noqa: S603
+            subprocess.run(bootstrap_command, check=True)  # noqa: S603
         except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
             logger.exception("Failed to initialise MySQL data directory")
             raise MySQLInitialiseMySQLDError from None
diff --git a/machines/tests/unit/test_mysqlsh_helpers.py b/machines/tests/unit/test_mysqlsh_helpers.py
index e2a7cedf2..a0e2a699b 100644
--- a/machines/tests/unit/test_mysqlsh_helpers.py
+++ b/machines/tests/unit/test_mysqlsh_helpers.py
@@ -481,12 +481,15 @@ def test_initialise_mysqld(self, _subprocess_run, _reset_data_dir):
         self.mysql.initialise_mysqld()
 
         _reset_data_dir.assert_called_once()
-        _subprocess_run.assert_called_once_with([
-            "/usr/bin/sudo",
-            "/snap/bin/charmed-mysql.mysqld-initialize",
-            "--datadir",
-            "/var/snap/charmed-mysql/common/var/lib/mysql",
-        ])
+        _subprocess_run.assert_called_once_with(
+            [
+                "/usr/bin/sudo",
+                "/snap/bin/charmed-mysql.mysqld-initialize",
+                "--datadir",
+                "/var/snap/charmed-mysql/common/var/lib/mysql",
+            ],
+            check=True,
+        )
 
     @patch("mysql_vm_helpers.MySQL.reset_data_dir")
     @patch("subprocess.run")