diff --git a/lib/galaxy/model/__init__.py b/lib/galaxy/model/__init__.py
index dfda561433a0..3ea40c7a1e18 100644
--- a/lib/galaxy/model/__init__.py
+++ b/lib/galaxy/model/__init__.py
@@ -8569,6 +8569,9 @@ def _serialize(self, id_encoder, serialization_options):
 
     def to_dict(self, view="collection", value_mapper=None, step_details=False, legacy_job_state=False):
         rval = super().to_dict(view=view, value_mapper=value_mapper)
+        if rval["state"] is None:
+            # bugs could result in no state being set
+            rval["state"] = self.states.FAILED
         if view == "element":
             steps = []
             for step in self.steps: