Vercel deployment failing with vite Permission denied error (exit code 126)

What this error means

sh: line 1: /vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied (exit code 126) is a Vercel failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix vercel build failure with vite permission denied error when deploying vite + react projects. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Stack Overflow question: Vite 6.3.5, Node 18.x. Error: ‘/vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied’. User tried deleting node_modules, package-lock.json, clearing cache, changing build script. Works locally, fails on Vercel.

Common causes

• Vite binary loses execute permission during Vercel build. Common after docker system prune or fresh installs. Build works locally but fails on Vercel with exit code 126.
• Stack Overflow question: Vite 6.3.5, Node 18.x. Error: ‘/vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied’. User tried deleting node_modules, package-lock.json, clearing cache, changing build script. Works locally, fails on Vercel.

Quick fixes

1. Confirm the exact error signature matches sh: line 1: /vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied (exit code 126).
2. Check the Vercel account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
3. Check the build output, project root, and deployment platform configuration before redeploying.

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

1. Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
2. Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
3. Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
4. Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
5. 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

• https://stackoverflow.com/questions/79938410

Evidence note: Stack Overflow question: Vite 6.3.5, Node 18.x. Error: ‘/vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied’. User tried deleting node_modules, package-lock.json, clearing cache, changing build script. Works locally, fails on Vercel.

Related errors

• Vercel build command failed
• Vercel module not found
• npm permission denied on Vercel

FAQ

What should I check first?

Start with the exact sh: line 1: /vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied (exit code 126) text and the smallest action that reproduces it.

Can I ignore this error?

No. Treat it as a failed Vercel 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 sh: line 1: /vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied (exit code 126).