An exhaust gas sensor (10) element having an electrochemical cell, a protective material (42) in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell, and a reactive inhibitive coating (28) disposed over the protective material (42). The reactive inhibitive coating (28) prevents the reaction of compounds with acides (e.g., phosphates) in the exhaust gas, which may form a dense glass layer on the outside of the gas sensor (10). The reactive inhibitive coating (28) is either an alkaline earth oxide ethoxide, and/or carbonate that is deposited on the gas sensor (10) to a thickness so as to preferably provide an excess of either the alkaline earth material.