diff --git a/drivers/net/can/flexcan.c b/drivers/net/can/flexcan.c
index 8e972ef08637..0431f8d05518 100644
--- a/drivers/net/can/flexcan.c
+++ b/drivers/net/can/flexcan.c
@@ -720,9 +720,14 @@ static unsigned int flexcan_mailbox_read(struct can_rx_offload *offload,
 			priv->write(BIT(n - 32), &regs->iflag2);
 	} else {
 		priv->write(FLEXCAN_IFLAG_RX_FIFO_AVAILABLE, &regs->iflag1);
-		priv->read(&regs->timer);
 	}
 
+	/* Read the Free Running Timer. It is optional but recommended
+	 * to unlock Mailbox as soon as possible and make it available
+	 * for reception.
+	 */
+	priv->read(&regs->timer);
+
 	return 1;
 }