Vercel / Deployment

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

Fix Vercel build failure with vite Permission denied error when deploying Vite + React projects Includes evidence for Vercel troubleshooting demand.

Source-backed Last updated May 14, 2026 1 source Needs local verification

Category: Deployment
Error signature: sh: line 1: /vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied (exit code 126)
Quick fix: Check the build output, project root, and deployment platform configuration before redeploying.
Updated: May 14, 2026
Verification status: Source-backed
Evidence: 1 public source URL

Before you change production

This page includes public source URLs in the imported troubleshooting record. Compare those references with your version and environment before applying changes.

Reproduce the smallest failing action and save non-secret logs before changing configuration.
Check versions for Vercel, related SDKs, package managers, CI runners, and hosting providers.
Change one setting or dependency at a time, then rerun the same failing command or request.
Avoid destructive commands, credential rotation, billing changes, or security relaxations without a rollback plan.

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

Confirm the exact error signature matches sh: line 1: /vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied (exit code 126).
Check the Vercel account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
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

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.

Diagnostic flow for this page

Match sh: line 1: /vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied (exit code 126) exactly before applying the quick fix.
Compare the failing environment with Vercel versions, account scope, provider settings, and deployment context.
Check the listed common causes in order, starting with the cause that best matches your logs.
Use the evidence status below to decide whether to confirm against public sources or official documentation.
Apply one reversible change, rerun the smallest failing action, and keep rollback notes.

FAQ

What does sh: line 1: /vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied (exit code 126) mean in Vercel?

sh: line 1: /vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied (exit code 126) indicates the workflow described by "Vercel deployment failing with vite Permission denied error (exit code 126)" failed in a Deployment context. Start by confirming the exact signature and the component that emitted it.

What should I check first for sh: line 1: /vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied (exit code 126)?

Check whether this cause matches your environment: 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.

Is the sh: line 1: /vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied (exit code 126) guidance source-backed?

The "Vercel deployment failing with vite Permission denied error (exit code 126)" page is labeled source-backed. It has 1 public source URL from stackoverflow.com, so use that evidence status when deciding how much additional verification you need.

When should I avoid the quick fix for sh: line 1: /vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied (exit code 126)?

For "Vercel deployment failing with vite Permission denied error (exit code 126)", avoid applying "Check the build output, project root, and deployment platform configuration before redeploying." when the error text differs, the affected version or provider is different, or the change would touch credentials, billing, DNS, production deploy settings, or irreversible data.

What should I collect before debugging sh: line 1: /vercel/path0/node_modules/.bin/vite: Permission denied (exit code 126)?

For "Vercel deployment failing with vite Permission denied error (exit code 126)", collect the failing Vercel command or request, non-secret configuration, versions, timestamps, request IDs when available, and the smallest reproduction that still triggers the signature.