Abstract: An air bag door assembly having a multi-layered construction including a rigid underlying substrate is provided. Disposed around the perimeter of the substrate is an inwardly directed flange having a plurality of flange extensions which function as locking tabs. The locking tabs deflect inwardly toward the undersurface of the door assembly as the assembly is seated in an opening in a vehicle trim panel. The locking tabs remain slightly deflected and press against the edge of the opening to retain the door assembly in a seated position. Upon deployment of the air bag, the locking tabs are disengaged by the force of the inflating air bag pushing outward against the undersurface of the substrate.