Fatal Error Message From WordPress

Colin
(@wpcol)

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Hi,

I received an email saying: WordPress has a built-in feature that detects when a plugin or theme causes a fatal error on your site, and notifies you with this automated email. In this case, WordPress caught an error with one of your plugins, Modern Events Calendar.

I contacted Modern Events Calendar and they said there was no major issue and the error was caused by a small typo in line 15 of the file, which triggered a PHP syntax error.

How do I know if there was a fatal error, or just there was no major issue?

Thanks.

The page I need help with: [log in to see the link]

Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)

Moderator threadi
(@threadi)

1 month, 3 weeks ago

When WordPress displays this message, it means a PHP error has occurred. That’s a fact, and the plugin’s support team has apparently recognized this and identified the cause. I imagine they’ll release a fix for it soon.

As a user, however, you did everything right by contacting the support team for the plugin that caused the error.

Jainil Nagar
(@jainilnagar)

1 month, 3 weeks ago

That email is triggered when WordPress detects a PHP fatal error, so in your case there was a fatal error at some point.

Not all fatal errors are major in terms of impact. Even something as small as a typo, like a syntax error, can cause a fatal error in PHP, which will stop the script from executing and trigger that notification.

The plugin support confirmed that they have identified the issue and it is a minor issue then should not have any major impact on your site and they will resolve it and release a new update.

franrival
(@franrival)

1 month, 2 weeks ago

The solution might simply be to update the PHP version in cPanel.

This happens because plugins aren’t always tested with the latest version of WordPress.

Muhammad Imanudin
(@omgiman)

1 month, 2 weeks ago

Check your PHP version. If it’s not 8.3, switch to 8.3 since that’s the safest option now.

Md. Aminul Islam
(@wpdevsxyz)

1 month, 2 weeks ago

Hi Colin,

To verify if a fatal error actually occurred, follow these steps:

1. Enable WordPress Debug Log — Add to wp-config.php:

define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true);
define(‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true);
define(‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, false);

Then check /wp-content/debug.log — it will show the exact error with timestamp.

2. Check Server Error Logs — via cPanel → Error Logs, you will see PHP fatal errors logged there too.

3. Use Query Monitor plugin — it shows real-time PHP errors in your admin dashboard.

Since Modern Events Calendar confirmed a syntax error in line 15, yes — a PHP fatal error did occur. However, WordPress’s built-in Recovery Mode likely kept your site running for visitors. Once the plugin releases an update with the fix, update immediately and the errors should stop.

Also ensure your PHP version is 8.1 or higher (8.3 recommended) for best compatibility with modern WordPress and plugins.