diff --git a/sys/kern/vfs_default.c b/sys/kern/vfs_default.c
index 7e3f295cc37a..cef1a0f8460f 100644
--- a/sys/kern/vfs_default.c
+++ b/sys/kern/vfs_default.c
@@ -605,7 +605,9 @@ vop_stdcreatevobject(ap)
 		 * Dereference the reference we just created.  This assumes
 		 * that the object is associated with the vp.
 		 */
+		VM_OBJECT_LOCK(object);
 		object->ref_count--;
+		VM_OBJECT_UNLOCK(object);
 		vrele(vp);
 	} else {
 		if (object->flags & OBJ_DEAD) {