A packet is identified at a port of a serial data link, and it is determined that the packet is associated with an error. Entry into an error recovery mode is initiated based on the determination that the packet is associated with the error. Entry into the error recovery mode can cause the serial data link to be forced down. In one aspect, forcing the data link down causes all subsequent inbound packets to be dropped and all pending outbound requests and completions to be aborted during the error recovery mode.