diff --git a/news/5251.bugfix b/news/5251.bugfix
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..7bc1b10c71b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/news/5251.bugfix
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+A crash when reinstalling from VCS requirements has been fixed.
diff --git a/src/pip/_internal/wheel.py b/src/pip/_internal/wheel.py
index 170e2bdc517..c71f17d2c8b 100644
--- a/src/pip/_internal/wheel.py
+++ b/src/pip/_internal/wheel.py
@@ -717,11 +717,11 @@ def build(self, requirements, session, autobuilding=False):
                     )
             elif autobuilding and req.editable:
                 pass
+            elif autobuilding and not req.source_dir:
+                pass
             elif autobuilding and req.link and not req.link.is_artifact:
                 # VCS checkout. Build wheel just for this run.
                 buildset.append((req, True))
-            elif autobuilding and not req.source_dir:
-                pass
             else:
                 ephem_cache = False
                 if autobuilding: