diff --git a/test/pylib/scylla_cluster.py b/test/pylib/scylla_cluster.py
index 54da334e75..770238fdf0 100644
--- a/test/pylib/scylla_cluster.py
+++ b/test/pylib/scylla_cluster.py
@@ -706,6 +706,8 @@ class ScyllaCluster:
         to any specific test, throwing it here would stop a specific
         test."""
         if self.start_exception:
+            # Mark as dirty so further test cases don't try to reuse this cluster.
+            self.is_dirty = True
             raise self.start_exception
 
         for server in self.running.values():