Hi, my name is Devin. I am an auto repair expert with the Car Genius team here at RepairPal. I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with your Avalon.
It sounds like you're dealing with a transmission issue. The symptoms you described—shifting into only 1st and 2nd gears and slipping into neutral around 35 mph—point to a possible problem with the transmission's internal components, like the valve body, solenoids, or the transmission control module (TCM).
It could also be a sign of low or dirty transmission fluid, which affects how the transmission shifts and can cause slipping. If you haven't already, check the transmission fluid level and condition (it should be red and not smell burnt). If the fluid looks fine, it's more likely an issue with the transmission itself that will need professional attention.
I recommend scanning the car for error codes and having a qualified technician diagnose it to avoid further damage. Transmission issues can escalate quickly if not addressed.
If you need more advice, have any other questions about your vehicle, or would like to get connected to a RepairPal Certified shop near you, we have you covered. Give us a call at 877-913-1554, and we will happily help you out!
