general problems of the 2002 Ford Escort

We have a 2002 Escort zx2 . The car was bought February 2002 . I have had some real problems with the tie -rods having to be replaced. But the problem now is the wiring to the tail lights. We have had a few problems with the fuse blowing and we replace it , then the light bulbs blow then we replace them . We had a mechanic look into the problem this time and he has found that the wiring harness and the reflector are melted. The problem is we have tail lights working with no brake lights or cruise control . Upon the removal of the bulbs the bulbs had gotten so hot the light bulbs had holes in them but still worked as brake lights . This is a safety issue with young children in the rear seat closest to the electrical problem.