diff --git a/e2e/run_volume_test.go b/e2e/run_volume_test.go
index 5a97fdda9..91f070a76 100644
--- a/e2e/run_volume_test.go
+++ b/e2e/run_volume_test.go
@@ -81,6 +81,7 @@ func runVolume(t *testing.T, vmName, runtime, networkPlugin string) {
 		WithRuntime(runtime).
 		WithNetwork(networkPlugin).
 		With("run").
+		With("--debug"). // work around https://github.com/weaveworks/ignite/issues/679 (leaves dead container after)
 		With("--name=" + vmName).
 		With("--ssh").
 		With("--volumes=" + loopPath + ":/my-vol").
@@ -110,6 +111,7 @@ func runVolume(t *testing.T, vmName, runtime, networkPlugin string) {
 		WithRuntime(runtime).
 		WithNetwork(networkPlugin).
 		With("run").
+		With("--debug"). // work around https://github.com/weaveworks/ignite/issues/679 (leaves dead container after)
 		With("--name=" + secondVMName).
 		With("--ssh").
 		With("--volumes=" + loopPath + ":/my-vol").
diff --git a/e2e/vm_lifecycle_test.go b/e2e/vm_lifecycle_test.go
index 90a716405..c8a231789 100644
--- a/e2e/vm_lifecycle_test.go
+++ b/e2e/vm_lifecycle_test.go
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ func runVMLifecycle(t *testing.T, vmName, runtime, networkPlugin string) {
 		WithRuntime(runtime).
 		WithNetwork(networkPlugin).
 		With("run").
+		With("--debug"). // work around https://github.com/weaveworks/ignite/issues/679 (leaves dead container after)
 		With("--name=" + vmName).
 		With("--ssh").
 		With(util.DefaultVMImage).