PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report the long-term outcome and the failure mechanism of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) using hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated acetabular cup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1992 to May 1994, a total of 123 consecutive cementless primary THAs were performed using a HA-coated acetabular cup with metal-on-polyethylene articulation. We retrospectively evaluated 66 hips available for follow-up at a mean 18.3 years (range, 10.4-23.6 years). The survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method. We defined end point as any failure that required a reoperation of acetabular component. RESULTS: Thirty-nine of 66 hips (59.1%) were defined as a failure for progressive acetabular osteolysis or aseptic loosening of the cup. Acetabular osteolysis was observed in 47 hips (71.2%) and 33 hips (50.0%) were revised because of cup loosening. The Kaplan-Meier method showed the survival rate of the acetabular cup to be 46.3% at 15 years and 34.8% at 20 years for any failure that required a reoperation of acetabular component. CONCLUSION: The long-term survival rate of THA using HA-coated acetabular cup was unsatisfactory, and it was attributed to vulnerable property of HA coating and progressive osteolysis.