diff --git a/tests/Makefile.am b/tests/Makefile.am
index e14f757c..4d24d9c2 100644
--- a/tests/Makefile.am
+++ b/tests/Makefile.am
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ TESTS = $(check_PROGRAMS)
 
 
 check_PROGRAMS =				\
+	sanity-test				\
 	array-test				\
 	map-test				\
 	list-test				\
@@ -11,6 +12,7 @@ check_PROGRAMS =				\
 
 test_runner_src = test-runner.c test-runner.h
 
+sanity_test_SOURCES = sanity-test.c $(test_runner_src)
 map_test_SOURCES = map-test.c $(test_runner_src)
 array_test_SOURCES = array-test.c $(test_runner_src)
 list_test_SOURCES = list-test.c $(test_runner_src)
diff --git a/tests/sanity-test.c b/tests/sanity-test.c
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..77b5cee3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/sanity-test.c
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+/*
+ * Copyright © 2012 Collabora, Ltd.
+ *
+ * Permission to use, copy, modify, distribute, and sell this software and its
+ * documentation for any purpose is hereby granted without fee, provided that
+ * the above copyright notice appear in all copies and that both that copyright
+ * notice and this permission notice appear in supporting documentation, and
+ * that the name of the copyright holders not be used in advertising or
+ * publicity pertaining to distribution of the software without specific,
+ * written prior permission.  The copyright holders make no representations
+ * about the suitability of this software for any purpose.  It is provided "as
+ * is" without express or implied warranty.
+ *
+ * THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES WITH REGARD TO THIS SOFTWARE,
+ * INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS, IN NO
+ * EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR
+ * CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE,
+ * DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER
+ * TORTIOUS ACTION, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE
+ * OF THIS SOFTWARE.
+ */
+
+#include <stdlib.h>
+#include <assert.h>
+#include "test-runner.h"
+#include "../src/wayland-util.h"
+
+FAIL_TEST(sanity_assert)
+{
+	/* must fail */
+	assert(0);
+}
+
+FAIL_TEST(sanity_malloc_direct)
+{
+	void *p;
+
+	p = malloc(10);	/* memory leak */
+	free(NULL);	/* NULL must not be counted */
+}
+
+FAIL_TEST(sanity_malloc_indirect)
+{
+	struct wl_array array;
+
+	wl_array_init(&array);
+
+	/* call into library that calls malloc */
+	wl_array_add(&array, 14);
+
+	/* not freeing array, must leak */
+}