diff --git a/pkg/telemetry/prometheus/node_linux.go b/pkg/telemetry/prometheus/node_linux.go
index e88dedbe2..002f3967c 100644
--- a/pkg/telemetry/prometheus/node_linux.go
+++ b/pkg/telemetry/prometheus/node_linux.go
@@ -41,13 +41,14 @@ func getTCStats() (packets, drops uint32, err error) {
 		// Newer kernels report stats via TCA_STATS2 (Stats2), while older kernels
 		// only populate the legacy TCA_STATS attribute (Stats). Prefer Stats2 and
 		// fall back to Stats so counters are collected on both.
-		switch {
-		case qdisc.Stats2 != nil:
-			packets = packets + qdisc.Stats2.Packets
-			drops = drops + qdisc.Stats2.Drops
-		case qdisc.Stats != nil:
-			packets = packets + qdisc.Stats.Packets
-			drops = drops + qdisc.Stats.Drops
+		//
+		// However,  go-tc (through v0.4.8 and current main) mis-parses the nested TCA_STATS2
+		// as a flat struct, so Stats2.Packets/.Drops are garbage. The legacy
+		// TCA_STATS blob is a real flat struct and is parsed correctly, and modern
+		// kernels populate BOTH — so prefer Stats.
+		if qdisc.Stats != nil {
+			packets += qdisc.Stats.Packets
+			drops += qdisc.Stats.Drops
 		}
 	}