Abstract: An instrument panel assembly for a vehicle including a lower housing having a first portion and an upper panel separate from and attached to the lower housing. The upper panel defines a front edge and a rear edge. The rear edge is adjacent to the first portion of the lower housing and faces a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The upper panel is attached relative to the lower housing at first and second attachment locations. The rear edge and a portion of the upper panel are adapted to deform and move in a direction outwardly from the first portion of the lower housing to define a gap between the rear edge and the first portion of the lower housing to permit passage of a deployed air bag through the gap such that the upper panel remains attached to the lower housing at the first and second attachment locations.