Ollama / Ollama
Ollama GGML_ASSERT(buffer) Failed: CUDA OOM When Loading Multimodal Models like gemma4:26b
Fix Ollama GGML_ASSERT(buffer) failed crash when loading multimodal models with CUDA Includes evidence for Ollama troubleshooting demand.
- Category
- Ollama
- Error signature
GGML_ASSERT(buffer) failed during loading of multimodal model- Quick fix
- Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.
- Updated
What this error means
GGML_ASSERT(buffer) failed during loading of multimodal model is a Ollama failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix ollama ggml_assert(buffer) failed crash when loading multimodal models with cuda. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.
Why this happens
On Ollama 0.30.0-RC15, loading gemma4:26b crashes with GGML_ASSERT(buffer) failed. Main LLM layers (31/31) offload to GPU successfully, but crash occurs during vision component initialization.
Common causes
- Ollama crashes with GGML_ASSERT when loading large multimodal models (gemma4:26b) even when GPU layers appear to load successfully. The crash happens during vision component initialization, not main model loading. Users with adequate VRAM still hit this.
- On Ollama 0.30.0-RC15, loading gemma4:26b crashes with GGML_ASSERT(buffer) failed. Main LLM layers (31/31) offload to GPU successfully, but crash occurs during vision component initialization.
Quick fixes
- Confirm the exact error signature matches
GGML_ASSERT(buffer) failed during loading of multimodal model. - Check the Ollama account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
- Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.
Platform/tool-specific checks
- Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
- Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
- Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.
Step-by-step troubleshooting
- Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
- Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
- Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
- Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
- Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.
How to prevent it
- Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
- Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
- Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.
Sources checked
Evidence note: On Ollama 0.30.0-RC15, loading gemma4:26b crashes with GGML_ASSERT(buffer) failed. Main LLM layers (31/31) offload to GPU successfully, but crash occurs during vision component initialization.
Related errors
- Ollama CUDA out of memory
- Ollama multimodal model loading crash
FAQ
What should I check first?
Start with the exact GGML_ASSERT(buffer) failed during loading of multimodal model text and the smallest action that reproduces it.
Can I ignore this error?
No. Treat it as a failed Ollama workflow until the root cause is understood.
Is this guaranteed to have one fix?
No. The imported evidence supports the troubleshooting path above, but tool behavior can vary by account, plan, version, provider, and local configuration.
How do I know the fix worked?
Rerun the same command, editor action, or request. The fix is working when that action completes without GGML_ASSERT(buffer) failed during loading of multimodal model.