An impact energy absorption structure for a vehicle has a structure in which an impact absorption member is disposed between an outer panel and inner panel. The impact absorption member is formed of ribs in a grid pattern. Specifically, first ribs each having a major surface facing in a front-rear direction are disposed approximately at regular intervals in the front-rear direction. In addition, second ribs each having a major surface facing in a vertical direction are disposed approximately at regular intervals in the vertical direction. The first ribs disposed at ends in the front-rear direction are closer to the outer panel than the first ribs disposed at a middle portion in the front-rear direction.