diff --git a/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath5k/ath5k.h b/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath5k/ath5k.h
index ec626905655b..f578c1ed7f88 100644
--- a/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath5k/ath5k.h
+++ b/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath5k/ath5k.h
@@ -982,6 +982,8 @@ struct ath5k_capabilities {
 	struct {
 		u8	q_tx_num;
 	} cap_queues;
+
+	bool cap_has_phyerr_counters;
 };
 
 /* size of noise floor history (keep it a power of two) */
diff --git a/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath5k/caps.c b/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath5k/caps.c
index e618e71b1ce6..74f007126f41 100644
--- a/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath5k/caps.c
+++ b/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath5k/caps.c
@@ -109,6 +109,12 @@ int ath5k_hw_set_capabilities(struct ath5k_hw *ah)
 	else
 		ah->ah_capabilities.cap_queues.q_tx_num = AR5K_NUM_TX_QUEUES;
 
+	/* newer hardware has PHY error counters */
+	if (ah->ah_mac_srev >= AR5K_SREV_AR5213A)
+		ah->ah_capabilities.cap_has_phyerr_counters = true;
+	else
+		ah->ah_capabilities.cap_has_phyerr_counters = false;
+
 	return 0;
 }