diff --git a/litellm/router.py b/litellm/router.py
index bcd0b6221de..e1cb108ccf6 100644
--- a/litellm/router.py
+++ b/litellm/router.py
@@ -3690,7 +3690,7 @@ class Router:
             exception=original_exception,
         )
 
-        allowed_fails = _allowed_fails or self.allowed_fails
+        allowed_fails = _allowed_fails if _allowed_fails is not None else self.allowed_fails
 
         dt = get_utc_datetime()
         current_minute = dt.strftime("%H-%M")