Abstract This paper describes the energy-absorption abilities of thin-walled circular cylinders made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) during crushing under impact loading. The tests are carried out with an impact testing machine, the crosshead mass of which is 21.5 kg, at a velocity of 8 m s −1 under the temperature range 20 to 130°C. The ply angles of the specimens are 15 and 75°, their dimensions are 1.2 mm in thickness, 30 mm in inner diameter and 100 mm in length. Load-time and displacement-time profiles are acquired precisely by using a newly designed load cell and an optical displacement transducer. The acquired force and displacement profiles are converted to the force and deformation relationship, which manifests the energy-absorption abilities. The specimens produce two different types of crushing mode and definite constant load levels which keep their energy-absorption ability high. The energy-absorption abilities and the crushing modes of the specimens change at temperatures above 60°C.