diff --git a/tests/acceptance/linux_ssh_mips_malta.py b/tests/acceptance/linux_ssh_mips_malta.py
index 25c5c5f741..6dbd02d49d 100644
--- a/tests/acceptance/linux_ssh_mips_malta.py
+++ b/tests/acceptance/linux_ssh_mips_malta.py
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ class LinuxSSH(Test):
             except:
                 time.sleep(4)
                 pass
-        self.fail("sshd timeout")
+        self.fail("ssh connection timeout")
 
     def ssh_disconnect_vm(self):
         self.ssh_session.quit()
diff --git a/tests/acceptance/virtiofs_submounts.py b/tests/acceptance/virtiofs_submounts.py
index 28b2920b88..949ca87a83 100644
--- a/tests/acceptance/virtiofs_submounts.py
+++ b/tests/acceptance/virtiofs_submounts.py
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ class VirtiofsSubmountsTest(BootLinux):
             except:
                 time.sleep(4)
                 pass
-        self.fail('sshd timeout')
+        self.fail('ssh connection timeout')
 
     def ssh_command(self, command):
         self.ssh_logger.info(command)