About 1000 feet after merging onto a 4 lane freeway with sparse traffic, we were driving the car in the 3rd lane from the right. Suddenly the car's steering wheel took a hard right turn, forcing the car through multiple other lanes and onto the shoulder of the freeway, through an unpaved area, nearly colliding with freeway signs. I was able to regain control of the car before a collision and get back on the freeway. I continued on the freeway at a lower speed and after another 1000 feet or so, the car's steering wheel once again took a hard right turn, forcing the vehicle onto the shoulder, and colliding with a railing and a freeway sign. During this second instance, the lighting inside the car when off completely. During both off these episodes, I had my foot off the accelerator and the brake. Automatic Driving and Driver Assist were disabled. The safety of my self and my passenger were put at risk. The car was free of any warning lamps or inspection warnings prior to the accident. The car is currently in a repair shop.