Joints are problematic regions to study and to build because they generally present high steel ratio in reduced geometrical dimensions. Column axial load is one among several variables that influence the behavior of the exterior beam-column joints. This paper investigates the influence of the column axial load on the reinforced concrete exterior beam-column joints through experimental tests and compares the results with some theoretical methods of failure prediction. Three exterior beam-column connections, with the same geometrical properties are tested applying different levels of column axial loads. Then, an analysis of reinforcement strains and cracking pattern of the joints is presented in an attempt to better explain the behavior of the exterior beamcolumn joints. Design models are applied to the experimental specimens and their results are compared. The present study indicates that the column axial loads influence the failure mode and further research on this topic is necessary to ensure more accuracy of the design models in the prediction of the ultimate failure load of beam column joints.