Cracks on the camera lenses

My AF-S NIKKOR 18-55 mm's lenses is cracked at the front. At the wording of 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 G VR it cracked from about 0.5 cm before the word until the 1:3.5-5.6. Will this affect my camera? I'm not really sure how the crack appear. I just noticed it just now. I'm afraid it's broken. I tried to take some picture with it and it still works but just in case.

Is the crack in the actual lens element?

Cracks usually never appear on lenses unless, you whacked it against something, especially if during cold weather.

Dose the lens still focus your shots? Is there any portion of the image that is not clear, while the rest is?

Since that lens can be replaced for under $200, if the lens is not performing well, recycle the lens and buy a new one or save you pennies and buy a nice 18-200 mm VR as a one lens solution