A diagnostic system (10) is provided and includes a sensor (24) disposed downstream from an exhaust gas aftertreatment system. Also included in the diagnostic system (10) is a central diagnostic unit (35) configured to diagnose a condensation condition associated with the sensor (24) for mitigating a sensor failure due to water condensation on the sensor (24), the central diagnostic unit (35) performing the diagnosis on the condensation condition based on water storage and release information related to a component of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system. The sensor (24) is activated based on the water storage and release information.