Engine Knocking Noise problems of the 1999 Ford Escort

Vehicle had less than a year when a metalic knocking noise started from the engine. The lifters & other parts has been replaced several times since the begining of the year 2000. Car still has the noise after many attempts to correct the problem and the Ford International still does not want to claim the vehicle a defect. The second band of the transmision broke into many parts and the technition of bayamon Ford said it was the first time he had seen this on this type of vehicle. He has seen this in explorer & expeditions, but not on Ford Escorts. Bayamon Ford nor auto vega has been able to fix this this problem in more than a year. I also would like to add that another recurring problem in this car is that the headlight socket keeps melting. This is a fire hazzard and it is a recurring problem after replacement of headlight fixture. I noticed that the negative wire is thinner than both of the positive wires, thus causing the over heating & causing it to melt. Another recurring problem is that about every 6 months I have to take the car to the dealer to replace the front struts because they are shot. I would like to get a technition to properly do its job and not to put myself or other people in danger because he/she does not want to blow the whistle on a problem.