The objective of this study is to propose the FE model for mechanical clinched joint using cohesive zone model to analyze its failure behavior under impact loading. Cohesive zone model (CZM) is two-parameter failure criteria approach, which could describe the failure behavior of joint using critical stress and fracture toughness. In this study, the relationship between failure behavior of mechanical clinched joint and fracture parameters is investigated by FE analysis with CZM. Using this relationship, the critical stress and fracture toughness for tensile and shear mode are determined by H-type tensile test and lap shear test, which were made of 5052 aluminum alloy. The fracture parameters were applied to the tophat impact test to evaluate the crashworthiness. Compared penetration depth and energy absorption at the point where 50% of total displacement in result of FE analysis and experiment test for impact test, those has shown similar crashworthiness.