diff --git a/python/ycm/youcompleteme.py b/python/ycm/youcompleteme.py
index 4ddb76b5..355c0d4c 100644
--- a/python/ycm/youcompleteme.py
+++ b/python/ycm/youcompleteme.py
@@ -196,8 +196,11 @@ class YouCompleteMe( object ):
 
   def GetDefinedSubcommands( self ):
     if self._IsServerAlive():
-      return BaseRequest.PostDataToHandler( BuildRequestData(),
-                                            'defined_subcommands' )
+      try:
+        return BaseRequest.PostDataToHandler( BuildRequestData(),
+                                             'defined_subcommands' )
+      except ServerError:
+        return []
     else:
       return []