diff --git a/rest_framework/tests/authentication.py b/rest_framework/tests/authentication.py
index 96ca9f52c..d12e6e2ae 100644
--- a/rest_framework/tests/authentication.py
+++ b/rest_framework/tests/authentication.py
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ class TokenAuthTests(TestCase):
         client = Client(enforce_csrf_checks=True)
         response = client.post('/auth-token/login/', 
                                json.dumps({'username': self.username, 'password': "badpass"}), 'application/json')
-        self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 400)
+        self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 401)
 
     def test_token_login_json_missing_fields(self):
         """Ensure token login view using JSON POST fails if missing fields."""