Cadillac Repair: Northstar engine oil leak problems, cadillac seville sts, engine oil leaks

Question
I am an insurance adjuster. A claim has ben submitted in which the claimant alleges that hitting a pot hole has caused excessive engine oil leaks. The impcat was minor and did not blow tire or damage the wheel. Sounds like an exageration to say the least.

The vehicle is a 1997 Cadillac Seville  STS with the 32 Valve Northstar engine.

Can you comment on this and provide me with references related to the oil leak problems that apparently have plagued the Northstar engines.

Thanks,
JPV

Answer
Cadillac engines have had oil leaks from the oil pans, valve covers, rear main seal, crank shaft seal for many years. It is historically normal for a Cadillac to have an oil leak(s) for many years.  Unless there is physical damage to an oil related component, The leak is normal.