A door assembly includes an inner panel, an outer panel fixedly attached to the inner panel, and a load transfer element disposed within an interstitial space formed between the inner and outer panels. The load transfer element includes a main body defining a longitudinal axis extending from the inner panel to the outer panel and first and second reaction surfaces disposed on the main body. The first reaction surface is formed proximate the inner panel while the second reaction surface is formed generally opposite the first reaction surface and proximate the outer panel. The second reaction surface is operable to receive a load from the outer panel and to transmit the load through the main body to the first reaction surface and the door inner panel. The load transfer element is further configured to activate an air bag sensor when the load exceeds a predetermined magnitude.