An energy absorbing assembly includes a beam that extends in a first direction, a structural member that extends in a second direction transverse to the beam, a load transfer structure that restrains motion of the beam relative to the structural member by transferring lateral loads between the beam and the structural member, and a recess defined in the structural member. The beam is connected to the structural member within the recess and extends out of the recess. The beam is configured to shorten during an impact to define a failed portion of the beam, and the beam is connected to the structural member such that the failed portion of the beam is at least partially receivable in the recess.