diff --git a/test/parallel/test-runner-subtest-after-hook.js b/test/parallel/test-runner-subtest-after-hook.js
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000000..f288abee243de2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/parallel/test-runner-subtest-after-hook.js
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+'use strict';
+const common = require('../common');
+const { test } = require('node:test');
+
+// Regression test for https://github.com/nodejs/node/issues/51997
+test('after hook should be called with no subtests', (t) => {
+  const timer = setTimeout(common.mustNotCall(), 2 ** 30);
+
+  t.after(common.mustCall(() => {
+    clearTimeout(timer);
+  }));
+});