diff --git a/TODO b/TODO
index aded50fee6..de560d3f15 100644
--- a/TODO
+++ b/TODO
@@ -1039,6 +1039,7 @@ Features:
   - introduce mix of BindTo and Requisite
   - add a concept of RemainAfterExit= to scope units
   - Allow multiple ExecStart= for all Type= settings, so that we can cover rescue.service nicely
+  - add verification of [Install] section to systemd-analyze verify
 
 * udev-link-config:
    - Make sure ID_PATH is always exported and complete for
diff --git a/src/shared/install.c b/src/shared/install.c
index d291eb6f21..0e673b3358 100644
--- a/src/shared/install.c
+++ b/src/shared/install.c
@@ -1197,7 +1197,8 @@ static int config_parse_default_instance(
         }
 
         if (!unit_instance_is_valid(printed))
-                return -EINVAL;
+                return log_syntax(unit, LOG_WARNING, filename, line, SYNTHETIC_ERRNO(EINVAL),
+                                  "Invalid DefaultInstance= value \"%s\".", printed);
 
         return free_and_replace(i->default_instance, printed);
 }