diff --git a/lib/repl.js b/lib/repl.js
index e0f5373c8c2..25680169486 100644
--- a/lib/repl.js
+++ b/lib/repl.js
@@ -637,7 +637,6 @@ function REPLServer(prompt,
         self.outputStream.write('npm should be run outside of the ' +
                                 'node repl, in your normal shell.\n' +
                                 '(Press Control-D to exit.)\n');
-        self.clearBufferedCommand();
         self.displayPrompt();
         return;
       }