This study aims to investigate the seismic performance and failure mechanism of reinforced concrete frame structures across the earth fissure. A five-story reinforced concrete frame structure across the earth fissure was tested by shaking table and the test equivalent finite element model was established by simulation software, the seismic performance of the reinforced concrete frame structure across the earth fissure was carried out and analyzed by these two methods. The results showed that the earth fissure has an amplification effect on the structure displacement response, the damage indexes and internal forces of the structure across the earth fissure were always larger than the structure on the ordinary site. The maximum damage index deviation increases from 6.1% to 11.4% under 0.2 g and 0.4 g seismic waves, and the maximum axial and shear forces deviation of column increases from 29% to 50% and 11.7% to 15.2% during 0.2 g to 0.6 g Cape Mendocino waves, respectively. With the increase of seismic intensity, the deviation of damage indexes and internal forces increased. The damage to the structure of the hanging wall were earlier and more seriously, and the first floor was the most vulnerable floor. The research in this paper has practical significance for seismic performance evaluation and provides reference for reinforced concrete frame structure across the earth fissure seismic design.