A vehicle instrument panel assembly includes a substrate having a recess formed therein with a deployable air bag assembly positioned within the recess. The air bag assembly is attached to the substrate by an attachment bolt. An air bag cover is secured to the substrate by a snap-in attachment feature to enclose the air bag assembly within the recess. The air bag cover includes an integrally molded tether which is connected to the attachment bolt such that deployment of the air bag assembly causes detachment of the snap-in attachment feature to allow air bag deployment outside the recess while the tether maintains its connection with the attachment bolt.