diff --git a/scipy/io/matlab/tests/test_mio.py b/scipy/io/matlab/tests/test_mio.py
index bb33a292126c..7ac81fa7ffe9 100644
--- a/scipy/io/matlab/tests/test_mio.py
+++ b/scipy/io/matlab/tests/test_mio.py
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@
      assert_equal, \
      assert_raises, run_module_suite
 from numpy.testing.utils import WarningManager
+from numpy.testing.noseclasses import KnownFailureTest
 
 from nose.tools import assert_true
 
@@ -587,7 +588,10 @@ def test_save_dict():
         vals = loadmat(stream)['dict']
         assert_equal(set(vals.dtype.names), set(['a', 'b']))
         if is_ordered: # Input was ordered, output in ab order
-            assert_array_equal(vals, ab_exp)
+            try:
+                assert_array_equal(vals, ab_exp)
+            except AssertionError:
+                raise KnownFailureTest  # see ticket 1874
         else: # Not ordered input, either order output
             if vals.dtype.names[0] == 'a':
                 assert_array_equal(vals, ab_exp)